Hoërskool Rustenburg in North West, South Africa was a hub of excitement and fierce competition as the 2023 SPAR National Netball Championships commenced on Monday, 2 October, 2023.
Defending champions Johannesburg set the tone with a powerful start, notching up commanding victories in both their encounters. They steamrolled over Buffalo City with a decisive 74-22 scoreline and later asserted their dominance over Cape Town, wrapping up the game at 64-24.
Johannesburg’s Strong Game Strategy
Elsje Jordaan, the strategic mind behind Johannesburg’s netball team, made full use of her squad’s depth, shuffling players and testing different team dynamics. “I’m very happy with the start of our campaign,” she remarked.
“We can build on our success and work on things we need to improve!”
Johannesburg Coach Elsje Jordaan
“We hope to build up momentum for the rest of the week. We have a big game against Mangaung tomorrow and that will give me a chance to see how the team responds to more pressure,” said Jordaan.
Monique Reyneke-Meyer, captain of the Johannesburg team, expressed pride in her team’s opening performances. “Everybody had a run and there is so much talent in the team.”
Challenges and Comebacks
However, the day’s games were not just about victories.
Tshwane, who secured a second-place finish in the previous year, faced a challenging start. They met a spirited Dr Kenneth Kaunda side and faced a 64-57 setback. Tshwane’s coach, Rozanne Matthyse, though disappointed, had a philosophical perspective.
“A tournament isn’t won on the first day,” she pointed out.
“If you lose, you can see where you are going wrong and work to improve things.”
Tshwane Coach Rozanne Matthyse
“If you win every game, you might become complacent and you are not necessarily aware of what you are doing wrong.”
Tshwane’s captain, Alice Kennon, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the game’s learning outcomes. “It’s back to the drawing board for us,” she admitted. “We gave away too much possession. We know we are better than this and we will improve.”
Inspiring Team Spirits
Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s coach, Elsunet du Plessis, while content with the win, emphasised continuous improvement. “The team performed well, and the players supported each other,” she commended. “But we can and will play even better.”
Despite their initial setback, Tshwane regrouped and found their rhythm, clinching a 55-45 victory against Nelson Mandela Bay.
Mangaung and Cape Winelands engaged in a fierce battle, with the former edging out a 62-58 win in what was undoubtedly one of the day’s most gripping encounters.
Catch The Live Action
For those eager to witness the championship’s thrilling matches, tickets are up for grabs at the venue, priced affordably at R20 for adults and R10 for children. Additionally, select matches will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4/Channel 209 from 2-7 October.
Photo 1 Caption: Jomari Lubbe of Dr Kenneth Kaunda in action against Tshwane during day 1 of the 2023 SPAR National Netball Championships. Dr Kenneth Kaunda beat Tshwane 57-45 played on Monday, 2 October 2023 at the Hoërskool Rustenburg in North West Province. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Photo 2 Caption: Sanelisiwe Ntobela of Johannesburg in action against Cape Town during day 1 of the 2023 SPAR National Netball Championships. Johannesburg beat Cape Town 64-24 played on Monday, 2 October 2023 at the Hoërskool Rustenburg in North West Province. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Photo 3 Caption: Sunel Smit of Dr Kenneth Kaunda in action against Tshwane during day 1 of the 2023 SPAR National Netball Championships. Dr Kenneth Kaunda beat Tshwane 57-45 played on Monday, 2 October 2023 at the Hoërskool Rustenburg in North West Province. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Photo 4 Caption: Tinita van Dyk of Johannesburg shoots for goal during day 1 of the 2023 SPAR National Netball Championships. Johannesburg beat Cape Town 64-24 played on Monday, 2 October 2023 at the Hoërskool Rustenburg in North West Province. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
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