National Netball Champs kick off with Johannesburg chasing fifth title

Johannesburg are gunning for an unprecedented fifth successive SPAR National Netball Championships title when the tournament starts at Stellenberg High School in the Western Cape on Thursday.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Johannesburg senior coach Elsje Jordaan said it will not be easy to defend their title because his side have injuries affecting several members of the squad.

With injuries to some of the players, Jordaan said the core of the team remains intact and they have accumulated enough experience during the team’s four-year dominant run and they are equipped to push for another title challenge.

“The spine of our team is still very experienced, and it’s the players that have been part of the four-year process. And they do understand what it takes to win,” explained Jordaan.

“The belief is definitely there because we understand what it takes to win, but we also have so much respect for this competition. I think the teams are growing and getting better every year and that’s what you want to see.”

Johannesburg captain Alex Meimaris said players are excited at the challenge of making it five out of five.

“It’s quite something to be able to say that we are going for a fifth title. I think obviously not everybody gets to say that they’ve been in this position, especially when it’s been four consecutive wins in a row.

“So, I think there’s a lot of pressure, but at the same time, a lot of excitement, hopefully being able to pull through another win.”

Focus will not only be on the senior side as Johannesburg’s Under-21 side, which is coached by former SPAR Proteas captain Bongiwe Msomi, is chasing a third successive crown.

She took the team that had finished bottom of the table in 2023 to their first title in 2024 and they successfully defended in 2025.

“I think I am always confident with that. That’s the funny part about me as a coach, because I have been part of the losing end and I know how it feels. I think that drives me more towards really wanting to win.

“I wouldn’t go to players and say, we have to win, but all my preparations and the plans in place speak to that. If it doesn’t happen, it will obviously be that we fell short on the day.

I think there’s a lot of pressure, but at the same time, a lot of excitement, hopefully being able to pull through another win.

—  Johannesburg captain Alex Meimaris

“But I always want to assure myself and the team that we are ready and good enough to take it on and compete at that level.”

Also expressing her excitement for the championships to get under way was Netball South Africa president Mami Diale, who stressed the importance of the tournament in unearthing new talent.

“As Netball South Africa, we are super excited, and we always look forward to this championship because this is where dreams are made.

“This is the championship where we give players an opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level and to be identified as national squad players…. So we’re looking forward to seeing new talent as well as experienced players playing at this level.”

Diale confirmed that the national teams of Botswana and Namibia will also compete in the senior A section to gain valuable experience as part of build-up for next year’s Netball World Cup.

But they won’t be eligible for medal positions.

“This relationship will take us far, because we are preparing for the 2027 World Cup, and we want to go out as Africa, as one solid unit, so we can support one another when we’re participating internationally,” she said.

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