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SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Durban North Regional - Ashton International College: Saturday 12 September

Danville Park Girls’ High School gave a rock-solid performance, claiming their third title in the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Challenge hosted by Ashton International College on Saturday 12 September.

The defending champs met one times regional winner, Our Lady of Fatima in the regional final where the ‘Danville Diamonds’ sparkled, finishing off their spectacular efforts, winning 13 – 10. Danville topped the log after their seven games, victorious in all of the round robin games, finishing on 21 points. Fatima ended the first phase in third place, 3 points behind hosts Ashton who finished on 18 points. The visitors went down to Ashton in the opening fixture of the day, followed by a narrow defeat by Danville, in their second fixture. Thereafter, they refocused, claiming victory in all of their remaining matches.  

Fatima met Ashton in the second semi-final, and in the all-to-play-for game, Fatima upset the home team’s intentions, dominating the game knocking in 15 to Ashton’s 10. Ashton advanced to the regional final last year, going down narrowly to Danville by 1 point. Danville took on Curro Salt Rock in the first semi-final, securing a comfortable win 19-5. 

Hand up! Our Lady of Fatima’s Zoe Quigley secures the ball during the final against Danville Park Girls’ High School, as Rachael Shea falls into a defensive role at the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge that took place at Ashton International College on Saturday 12 September. Pic by Val Adamson.

In the final, Fatima tipped off and wasted no time to earn their first point, after only 23 seconds of play. Danville replied on the other end, levelling the score. Fatima was next to surge forward, but an unsuccessful attempt gave Danville the ball, wasting no time to net their second goal, followed by their third 90 seconds later. Fatima replied with two well-crafted attacks that got them level again at 3 all. In the final three and a half minutes of the first 8-minute half, the game flowed to all corners of the court. Danville managed to add only 3 more goals to their tally, having to work hard with creative plays to get around the sturdy Fatima defence. The half-time score was 6 – 3. 

In the second half, Danville were first to add to their account. Fatima responded 33 seconds later. A determined Fatima worked hard, creating opportunities for their forwards, but the slick team of Amy Walhuter and Gianna Gaillard didn’t allow the Fatima forwards any room to get under the pole, forcing them to try land looping shots from near the 2-point circle. In a tightly contested second half, Danville had successfully added 7 points with Fatima having manufactured the final attack of the game. As the final seconds disappeared, Fatima’s captain Zoe Quigley, perched mere centimetres outside of the 3-point line, floated the ball for a perfect 3 pointer, the only adventurous long shot of the entire day; levelling the second half’s points to the same as Danville’s 7. The final score was 13 – 10 in favour of Danville. 

Brilliantly guided by Baby Proteas coach, Precious Mthembu, Danville have featured in all but one of this regional’s finals, the only year that Danville didn’t make the final two, Fatima was boldly successful in 2024. Fatima has vied for the title three times, going down twice to Danville and defeating Curro Salt Rock two years ago. 

The tournament heads inland for the penultimate challenge, Pionier Hoërskool hosts teams for the Northern KZN Regional next weekend (Saturday 19 September), before Epworth hosts the final challenge shortly when schools return from holidays in October. 

Results

Regional Final

Danville Park Girls High School 13 vs Our Lady of Fatima 10

Semi-Finals

Danville Park Girls’ High School 19 vs Curro Salt Rock 5; Ashton International College 10 vs Our Lady of Fatima 15

Round Robin

1 Danville Park Girls’ High School 21pts; 2 Ashton International College 18pts; 3 Our Lady of Fatima 15pts; 4 Curro Salt Rock 12pts; 5 Danville Park Girls’ High School’s Invitational 9pts; 6 Crawford International College La Lucia 6pts; 7 Crawford International College North Coast 3pts; 8 Ekwazini High School 0pts

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge Durban Central Regionals - Durban Girls’ College: Saturday 29 August

Clutching onto their title, Durban Girls’ College successfully defended the trophy in a nail-biter of a final at the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge that they hosted on Saturday 29 August.

College met local rivals, Durban Girls’ High School in the concluding game of the tournament where the game went down to the wire. Girls’ High have featured in the last three Durban Central Regional finals, finishing in second place in all three, two of those games have been against Girls’ College. Last year, College confidently won the regional final, whilst this year Girls’ High were a force to be reckoned with. 

Next step. Intercepting, Durban Girls’ College’s Ndondo Ntombela snuffs the attack by Durban Girls’ High School’s Alwande Ntsele during the final of the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 6’s Netball Challenge that College hosted on Saturday 29 August. Photo: Rogan Ward

Sitting up on the hill, the picturesque setting was prone to a blustery north easter gusting across the field, giving the shooters an extra challenge to read the conditions as they fired off their shots. 

College got the finals underway and within seconds, Girls’ High had executed the first of many intercepts that had the ball ricocheting around the midfield. The first attempt at goals was made by Girls High with only 50 seconds on the clock, but it was unsuccessful. College had a handful of attempts on the ‘breezy’ end but in similar fashion, the score remained unchanged. The first half was a feast of rapid retaliations as both teams pushed the game to the limits in a tightly contested final. 

It took over 4 minutes before the first goal was netted by Girls’ High with their shooter being awarded a penalty directly under the pole after she was obstructed. 30 seconds later, College had levelled on the other end. Girls’ High worked hard in their attacks led by captain, Tyra Norris, at the 8-minute half time whistle, the visitors led by 4-2. 

The second half got underway with College again tipping off, this time the home team had an air of urgency, within 90 seconds they had sent the ball up to their forwards who were now shooting on the sheltered end, the scoreline was quickly levelled at 4 all with Ndondo Ntombela working hard as the playmaker in the middle. Midway through the second half, College pocketed two back-to-back 1 pointers, giving them the edge. Girls’ High dug deep but only managed to advance by one, which had College replying with another goal on the other end. In the final minute Girls’ High threw everything at College, taking the scoreline to 7-8. In a last gasp attempt, as the final seconds ticked by, Alwande Ntsele was gifted the last chance of the game. Steadying herself, she took an extra second to gage the gusts but her pause for composure unfortunately took too long and as her shot flew goalwards, the umpire’s whistle sounded disallowing the buzzer shot.

College earned their fourth title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Challenge, winning in 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026. 

In the build up to the finals, Durban Girls College topped their log with newcomers, Madlenkosi High School making a big impact in their first appearance finishing second in the log and advancing to the semi-finals. In Pool B, Durban Girls’ High School topped their log with St Henry’s Marist College finishing second. College took on St Henry’s in the first semi where the result was 12 – 6 in favour of the home team. Special mention to the hard-working Zasembo Mkhize for her sublime aerial assaults in overturning the ball countless times. In the second semi-final, Girls’ High met Madlenkosi in their inaugural top four playoff. Girls’ High claimed victory with an 8-4 win. 

The next regional heads to Hillcrest High School where teams competing in the Highway Regional will be taking to the court in the hopes of dethroning the host school who are vying for their fourth title. 

For more info follow the tournament on their social media pages.

Results

Final

Durban Girls’ College 8 vs Durban Girls’ High School 7

Semi-finals

Durban Girls’ College 12 vs St Henry’s Marist College 6

Durban Girls’ High School 8 vs Madlenkosi High School 4 

Pool A

1 Durban Girls’ College 15pts; 2 Madlenkosi High School 12pts; 3 Phambiti High School 7pts; 4 Igagasi High School 7pts; 5 Port Natal School  / Skool 3pts; 6 Werda Skool / School Seconds 0pts

Pool B

11 Durban Girls’ High School 15pts; 2 St Henry’s Marist College 12pts; 3 Durban Girls' College Invitational 9pts; 4 Werda Skool / School First 6pts; 5 Ridge Park College 3pts; 6 Mowat Park High School 0pts

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge Southern KZN Regional - Kokstad College: Saturday 22 August

Continuing their total domination in the region, Shayamoya Area Secondary School maintained their 100% record in the Southern KZN Regional on Saturday 22 August, the only team to have this honour in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge.

Hosted by Kokstad College, eight teams played their hearts out in the hopes of dislodging the defending champions, but Shayamoya proved to be a tour de force, claiming their fifth title on the trot since this regional began in 2022. 

Meeting travelling team, Mthatha High School in the bookend games of the tournament, Shayamoya took on the Eastern Cape team in the opening fixture of the day with the scoreline going in favour of the champs, 12 – 6. In the concluding game, the two teams clashed again in a fast-paced, exceptional final. After a fabulous intercept once Mthatha got play under way, it took Shayamoya 25 seconds to bother the scorers with captain, Kwanele Lamani netting her first point of the final.  20 seconds later, Lamani was back under the ring, slotting in her second point. 

Put your left foot in. Shayamoya Area Secondary School’s star defender, Phumela Ramkoko intercepts the ball during a round robin game at the Southern KZN Regional hosted by Kokstad College in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge that took place on Saturday 22 August. Pic by Val Adamson.

Going into halftime, Shayamoya led by 8 to 3. In similar fashion, Mthatha got the second half started, but the quick-on-their-feet midfielders quickly snaffled the ball, sending it up to Sphesethu Mantambo, who got the points rolling for Shayamoya in the second half. 

The petite centre for Mthatha, Unako Madolo with pitbull intentions kept persisting, feeding the ball up to her shooters. The visitors had a tough time in the Shayamoya circle, being closed down often by the spritely defender, Phumela Ramkoro. Mthatha’s attackers Eneya Jokozela and Buhle Noto were lucky enough to have several attempts but unfortunately had to contend with the hard-working Ramkoro or when they managed to bypass her, had the gusty conditions causing their aerial pursuits to go off target. 

50 / 50. Shayamoya Area Secondary School’s hard working Phumela Ramkoko desperately swats at the ball as Mthatha High School’s Buhle Noto clears the ball to her waiting support as teammate Eneya Jokozela watches on during the final of the Southern KZN Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge hosted by Kokstad College on Saturday 22 August. Pic by Val Adamson.

At the final whistle, Shayamoya were victorious with the scoreline settled on 17 – 8. Mthatha who were making their third appearance in the challenge, had to settle for their second silver in consecutive years. Their first appearance in 2024, they finished fourth overall. 

In the build up to the finals, Shayamoya topped the log after their seven round robin games. Second was Mthatha with five wins, a draw in their last round robin game against Kokstad College – finishing 5 all, and a loss in their opening fixture. Third in the round robin was St Thomas Residential School who won five games and lost to Shayamoya and Mthatha. Rounding off the semi-finalists, King Edward High School from Matatiele claimed victory in four of their games, going down to Shayamoya, Mthatha and St Thomas.

In the first semi, first placed Shayamoya meet fourth placed, King Edward. In a clinical performance, Shayamoya dominated with a win of 18-2, and stamping their ticket to the final. In the second final, Mthatha went up against St Thomas. In a far more determined game, St Thomas tried their hardest to earn their first regional final appearance but were just not up to it as Mthatha managed to hold off their threats in the circle, the final score a respectable defeat of 9-6.

Durban Girls’ College will host the fourth challenge this weekend, (Saturday 29 August) with teams from around the Durban Central Regional meeting for a ‘play-full’ day of netball. 

For more info follow the challenge on various social media platforms

Results

Regional Final

Shayamoya Area Secondary School 17 vs Mthatha High School 8

Semi-final

Shayamoya Area Secondary School 18 vs King Edward High School 2

Mthatha High School 9 vs St Thomas Residential School 6

Round Robin

1 Shayamoya Area Secondary School 21pts; 2 Mthatha High School 16pts; 3 St Thomas Residential School 15pts; 4 King Edward High School 12pts; 5 Kokstad College 10pts; 6 St Monica’s Diocesan School 6pts; 7 Bergview High School 3pts; 8 Mt Currie S.S.S. 0pts

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge Durban South Regional - Hutchinson Park: Saturday 15 August

Dominating from start to finish, host team, Amanzimtoti Netball Club took the honours in the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge at Hutchinson Park, Amanzimtoti on Saturday 15 August.

Comprising scholars from around the area, Toti’s Netball team took to the court earning convincing wins in all of their eight round robin games, netting 102 points courtesy of on-target sharp shooters, Hannah Grey and Micheala Clegg. Playmaker for the team, Tyra Norris was a firecracker in the centre, efficiently intercepting the ball on numerous occasions, and quickly feeding her attackers in the circle. Another ‘stand out’ player was their keeper, Zoey Quigley, who ‘towered’ above most of her opponents, constantly springing to life like a jack-in-the-box. 

The home team easily advanced to the semi-final, meeting three-times champions, Kingsway High School who have hoisted the trophy in consecutive years 2022 – 2024. The result was a convincing victory by Toti 18-4. In the second semi-final, defending champions, Kuswag Skool finished second overall and met travelling Hoërskool Suid-Natal who finished third place in the round robin games. In an action-packed game, only one point separated the two teams. Suidies took the game with 9 points ejecting the hard-working defending champs who scored 8 points. 

Long jump. Amanzimtoti Netball Club’s Tyra Norris stretches mid-stride to hang onto the wide pass as Hoërskool Suid-Natal’s Chantelle Coetzee desperately tries to intercept as Alexis Ahearne watches on during the Durban South Regional final of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge that took place at Hutchinson Park on Saturday 15 August. Pic by Rogan Ward.

In the regional final, Suid Natal got centre pass, sending the ball quickly up to their post lady who fired off the first shot of the game with only 16 seconds on the clock. The ball arched over the goal, giving possession to Toti. Wasting no time, the ball made its way up to Grey who slotted in the first point of the game twenty seconds later. 

A quarter of the way through the first half, Suidies’ Chantelle Coetzee adventurously launched an attempt, successfully earning herself a 2 pointer – the only one of the game. At the blast of whistle for half time, the visitors pocketed their fourth point giving them a 2-goal deficit of 2 points. Midway the score was sitting at 6-4. The second half was littered with 1 pointers, with the fired-up Grey and Clegg adding 9 points with Suid Natal only successfully finding space around the jumper, Quigley to secure three points. The final score 15-7 in favour of Toti.

The tournament heads inland for the Southern KZN Regional hosted by Kokstad College on Saturday 22 August, where four-times winner, Shayamoya Area Secondary School aims to hold 8 teams at bay to secure their fifth title, the only team in the challenge with a 100% record. 

For more information, follow the tournament on social media.

Results:

Final

Amanzimtoti Netball Club 15 vs Hoërskool Suid-Natal 7

Semi-Final

Amanzimtoti Netball Club 18 vs Kingsway High School 4

Hoërskool Suid-Natal 9 vs Kuswag Skool 8

Round Robin

1 Amanzimtoti Netball Club 24pts; 2 Kuswag Skool 19pts; 3  Hoërskool Suid-Natal 15pts; 4 Kingsway High School 14pts; 5 RBP Netball Club 13pts; 6 Southcity Christian School 9pts; 7 Port Shepstone High School 6pts; 8 Creston College 3pts; 9 Kwamakhuta Comprehensive High School 3pts

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge North Coast Regional - Grantleigh School: Saturday 1 August

Rain stopped play at the enthusiastic North Coast Regional where 11 schools were putting all the efforts into taking home the trophy in the opening tournament of the 6th SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Grantleigh College on Saturday 1 August.

In the 21 games played, it rained goals with a total of 227 being netted. The second team from Khombindela High School were leading in the lunchtime fixture against Felixton College before umpires made the responsible call to halt play in the downpour. Only two more rounds in the pool games remained until the semi-finals.

High five. Hoerskool Richardsbaai’s Samantha Viljoen launches herself to intercept Felixton College’s Zenande Mncwabe during their pool game at the North Coast Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Grantleigh School on Saturday 1 August. Pic by Val Adamson.

The four previous champions were all looking good to advance to the semi-finals, with Dlangezwa High School also putting their hand up to be considered. Leading pool A was one time winner, Tholokuhle High School who had 12 points with one game in hand. Tied at second place was Hoërskool Richardsbaai who raised the trophy two years ago and Dlangezwa, both sitting on 10 points. Hoerskool Richardsbaai had scored a total of 21 goals while Dlangezwa, still with a game in hand, had a tally of 26 goals.

Defending champions, and two times winner, Khombindela High School's first team found themselves level on points with one time winner, Empangeni High School both on 15 points.

 Step to it. Weighing up her options, : Sabelwe Makhanyavs from Empangeni High School plans her attack while her team mate Xoliswa Cele watches her opponents moves. Elihle Nzuza and Coco Cameron playing for Grantleigh School  keep an eye on the ball during their pool game at the North Coast Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Grantleigh School on Saturday 1 August. Pic by Val Adamson.

Khombindela looked to be stronger, with a game still in hand, after they dominated their fixture against their neighbours, Empangeni - winning 13 to 8. Khombindela had racked up 5 goals in their three pool games while Empangeni slotted in 30 goals in their four pool games.

The tournament heads to Amanzimtoti where ‘Toti Netball Club will host the upcoming Durban South Regional on Saturday 15 August

For more information, follow the challenge on its social media channels.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge 2026 - Date Announcement KwaZulu-Natal

Nearly 90 schools will have their court appearance at the upcoming SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge that kicks off in August.

The tournament now in its sixth year has hosted 34 regionals in the five years since its inception in 2019. The first year, the fledgling tournament started with only four regionals, quickly growing to seven areas over the following two years. The successful Challenge has now doubled in size and travels to eight areas in KZN.

"SPAR KwaZulu-Natal is pleased to see how the Challenge has evolved over the years,” says Nelene Rampersad, Promotion, Advertising & Communication Manager for SPAR KwaZulu-Natal, sponsors of the tournament. “Our involvement goes beyond sponsorship; we believe in the power of sport to build confidence, discipline and creating a sense of belonging among young women and their peers.”

Netting the first tournament this year, Grantleigh School welcomes teams for the Zululand Regional on Saturday 1 August. Travelling down the coast, Toti Netball Club hosts teams for the South Coast Regional at Hutchinson Park on Saturday 15 August. The following weekend the Challenge moves inland to Kokstad College who opens up their picturesque school for the Southern KZN Regional. Wrapping up the August commitments, Durban Girls’ College is the venue for the Durban Central Regional on Saturday 29 August.

Thomas More College will enjoy having teams competing on their campus for the Upper Highway Regional on Saturday 5 September. The final local tournament, the Durban North Regional unfolds at Ashton International College in Ballito on Saturday 12 September. Concluding the Challenges, Pionier Hoërskool in Vryheid is ‘hoopful’ that teams participating in the Northern KZN Regional will shoot for glory on Saturday 19 September. 

Eight teams will be returning in the hopes of defending their titles. The North Coast Regional has had four champions, with Khombindela High School eager to retain the honour and earn their third title. Newcomer, Kuswag Hoërskool is the third team to hoist the South Coast Regional trophy and are keen to have a back-to-back victory. The only team with a 100% record in the challenge is Shayamoya Area Secondary School who will be determined to continue their dominance in the Southern KZN Regional. 

With home turf advantage, Durban Girls’ College will be vying for their fourth title in the Durban Central Regional. Another team on the prowl for their fourth title, Hillcrest High School have stood tall dominating the Highway area, the only other team to feature on the top step is Luthayi High School. Three teams have been crowned in the Durban North Regional, with Danville Park Girls’ High’s name engraved on the trophy twice and on the hunt for a third victory. Ferrum High School currently is the defending champions in the Northern KZN Regional, but host team Hoërskool Pionier have also had the honour of raising the regional trophy once, as have the Smurfs twice, representing Dundee High School. 

Eight weeks of action packed netball is due to unfold around KwaZulu Natal as the sixth SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge tips off next month.

For more information, follow the tournament on social media.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge North Coast Regional

A triumphant host school, Hoërskool Richardsbaai were crowned champions in the North Coast Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge on Saturday 13 July.

The locals met visitors, Empangeni High School’s team in the concluding game of the day.  Empangeni had the centre pass and from the whistle eagerly moved the ball around in the attempt of crafting their first attack, but the savvy home team were wise to their gameplan and intercepted, sending the ball down to their sturdy and steadfast goal shooter, Jané Taljaard who netted the first point of the game 35 seconds in. 

Empangeni didn’t let the early turn around get to them, and whisked the ball to their adventurous Goal Attack, Amanda Shelembe who bravely lofted a 2 pointer that neatly slotted into the net, going a point ahead. The two teams game plan was obvious, Richardsbaai soldiered the ball up quickly to Taljaard who wasted no time firing in her attempt, usually from just under the net. Empangeni were more flamboyant in their play, whizzing passes around the center of their court as their attackers settled up ahead. Once they advanced, they weren’t shy in giving Shelembe the space to try land her looping 2 pointers. 

Going into half time, only one point separated the two, with Richardsbaai being ahead on 7 to Empangeni’s 6 points. In the second half, agile captain for the home side, Anneke Louw ignited her team with four phenomenal aerial intercepts that encouraged her players to change gears. Between Taljaard and Goal Attack, Tiana de Beer for Richardsbaai, they knocked in 6 shots taking their final score up to 13, while Empangeni only managed to net 3 more shots, two of which being magical 2 pointers slipped in by the crack shooter Shelembe, taking their score up to 11 in total. 

This is the third time Empangeni High School has featured in the regional final’s medal game, earning a silver in 2019, and gold in 2022, with an impressive second place this year. While Richardsbaai featured twice, improving on their silver from last year, to hoisting the trophy this year. 

In the third-place game, Eshowe High School took on the second team from Empangeni, with the score finishing on 15 – 13 in favour of Empangeni High. 

The next regional takes place at Creston College on 27 July with teams from the area participating in the South Coast Regional. August has three tournaments, followed by two tournaments in September and the last one wrapping up the year in October. 

 

For more info like the challenge’s Facebook page sparkznfast5s or follow on Instagram sparkznnetball

 

Results

1 Hoërskool Richardsbaai, 2 Empangeni High School, 3 Empangeni High School’s Seconds, 4 Eshowe High School

Pool results

Pool A

1 Hoërskool Richardsbaai 12 points; 2 Empangeni High School Seconds 9 points; 3 Tholokuhle High School 6 points; 4 Felixton College 1 point; 5 Eshowe High School Seconds 1 point

Pool B

1 Eshowe High School First 10 points; 2 Empangeni High School 9 points; 3 John Ross College 7 points; 4 Hoërskool Richardsbaai Seconds 3 points; 5 Nkombose High School 0 points

 

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge KZN Southern Regional Kokstad College: 10 September

It was all one-way traffic for a slick Shayamoya Area Secondary School in their victory against host school, Kokstad College at the KZN Southern Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge on Saturday 10 September.

The young team from Shayamoya ended their tournament with a determined performance, basketing 27 goals and not allowing Kokstad College any chances on the opposite side. The defenders often predicting which way the play would be sent, and easily intercepting, taking the play quickly back up to College’s hoop. 

The towering goal scorer, Mbali Diphoko, the Captain for Shayamoya stood head and shoulders above her opponents. Camped out directly under the net for three quarters of the game, she was fed loads of opportunities as she calmly took aim, and fired off countless points during her teams successful day on the court. 

At half time, the inform Shayamoya were 13 nil up, affording a bold move by a confident coach, Sthembele Matshingani, who rang out various substitutions midway through the second half. With nothing to lose, the fresh new attack took daring chances shooting for goals, with some adventurous and exciting shots floated towards the net from just inside the circle.

In the build up to the regional final, Shayamoya met travelling team, King Edward High School in their semi final and dominated that, with the final score 20 to 6. While Kokstad College had to work hard against Mthatha High School as their semi concluded with the score on 6 all. Kokstad College were lucky enough to advance to the regional final as they had a higher goal percentage. 

The star team of the day began on a high note with their first win in the challenge with the score on 24-1, taking on Carl Malcomes High School. Shayamoya continued their shooting prowess, accumulating a remarkable total of 146 points throughout the seven games in the round robin phase, and only letting 15 goals in. 

In their earlier meeting in the round robin game, Shayamoya beat Kokstad College 15-3. Learning from the dress rehearsal for the final, Shayamoya stepped up a gear in all aspects of their game.

After the tournament, Coach Matshingani said, “It has been a while that we have been able to play in a netball tournament, and this is our first Fast 5s. We had a brilliant, enjoyable day, overall it was a great tournament for us to play against so many different teams.”

Continuing, Matshingani shared, “We have a young team, no one is older than 15 years. They are dedicated, committed, good players and every time they step onto the court, they take things seriously.”

The next tournament heads to Hillcrest High School for the Highway Regional on Saturday 17 September, then a break before the final challenge taking place at Voortrekker Hoërskool for the Pietermaritzburg Regional on Saturday 15 October.

All the games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools Mobile App or website. For more info follow the tournament on Instagram or like the Facebook page. 

Medal Game

1 Shayamoya A.S.S.; 2 Kokstad College

Round Robin Results

1 Shayamoya A.S.S. 21 points; 2 Kokstad College 18 points; 3 Mthatha High School 15 points; 4 King Edward High School 9 points; 5 Carl Malcomes High School 9 points; 6 Ixopo High School 6 points; 7 Mt Currie High School 6 points; 8 St Thomas Residential School 0 points

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirl’s Fast 5s Netball Challenge Northern KZN Regional 27 August


It was a joyous celebration for Dundee High School as they were crowned champions of the KZN Northern Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirl’s Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Ferrum High School on Saturday 27 August.

 

Dundee met Vryheid’s hard-working Pionier Hoërskool in the regional final that concluded with Dundee netting 10 points to Pionier’s 7. 

 

Pionier got the final underway with Cay-Li Birkenstock scoring the game’s first goal just 22 seconds in. 19 seconds later, Thandolwethu Buthelezi equalised at the other end for Dundee. The first quarter of the final ping-ponged between the two poles, with Pionier powering down their favoured left side and scoring then Dundee sending play right back up and equalising. 

Nearing 4 minutes left in the first half, Dundee missed their chance to equalize giving Pionier the edge with the scoreline sitting at 4-3. Birkenstock adding two more to her tally and Simone van Jaarsveld getting her name on the scorers’ card. Both teams went into a dry spell with attempts on either end frustratingly hitting the rim or being intercepted. 

 

Dundee broke the spell with 99 seconds left of the half as Buthelezi snatched the ball mid-air with her long right arm, and calmly popped the ball through the hoop, levelling the score at 4 all. 90 seconds later, she again magiced up a one-handed mid-air retrieval and confidently deposited the ball through the hoop for her, and Dundee’s fifth goal. 

 

Pionier opened up the second half with van Jaarsveld earning her team’s fifth, 87 seconds in. Pionier dominated the next 90 seconds of play with several bursts up to Dundee’s goals but were unable to find the center of hoop. Dundee’s Buthelezi got another opportunity taking the lead again, and 50 seconds later she added another point for her team. With just over 3 minutes until the final whistle, Mele Erlank managed to net Pionier’s sixth goal to Dundee’s seven. 

 

Two quick fire goals by Buthelezi saw the Dundee girls get a bounce in their step as their confidence began to soar. Captain for Dundee, Zinita Oosthuizen up’ed her game at the back, with two towering challenges as she leaped into the air, solidly knocking down Pionier’s looping attempts. Erlank managed to find a gap and net her second taking Pionier’s final score to 7, while Dundee wrapped up the game with 10 points, all scored by Buthelezi.

 

Dundee’s Oosthuizen said after the game, “The final was very challenging, Pionier are a tough team to beat but we are thankful that we had the ability to play against them and took the win. I am so blessed to have a team like mine.”

 

In their earlier round robin meeting, an undefeated Pionier took the win in a low scoring game 4 to 1. 

 

Coach for Dundee, Smangaye Nkwanyana stated, “Today was hard, we came into the tournament being slightly unfit as our season had wrapped up and the girls have been concentrating on exams, but all in all we are happy. Taking on Pionier again, having lost to them in the round robin, was tough. We were nervous going in but dug deep and did our best with our youngest in the team, 15 year old Thandolwethu doing so well.”

 

The fifth regional heads down to Kokstad College for the KZN Southern Regional on Saturday 10 September. All games will be live streamed on the SuperSport Schools mobile app or their website. 

 

Medal Game

1 Dundee High School, 2 Pionier Hoërskool

 

Round Robin Results

1 Pionier Hoërskool 21 points, 2 Dundee High School 18 points, 3 Ferrum Hoërskool 15 points, 4 Newcastle High School 10 points, 5 Sarel Cilliers School 9 points, 6 Amajuba District School 4 points, 7 Amajuba School 3 points, 8 St Dominic’s 2 points

 

ENDS

 


Kingsway High School take top honours in SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge

Southcity Christian School: Saturday 20 August

 

Kingsway High School took top honours in the KZN South Coast Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge at Southcity Christian School on Saturday 20 August.

 

They met local team, Port Shepstone High School in an exciting conclusion to the regional that had eight teams participate. In their earlier meeting, Kingsway won 7-3 in both teams' second game of the day. At the end of the round robin, Sheppie High was level on points with KwaMakhutha High School but qualified for the podium game having netted 48 goals in their seven games compared to KwaMakhuta’s 41.

 

In the final, Sheppie came out firing with their first attempt just 18 seconds into the game, their opening shot sadly missing the net. Kingsway snaffled the ball, quickly pushing play down to the other end and 30 seconds later landed their first goal with Elrika Laubscher opening her impressive account. 40 seconds later, Sheppie leveled the scoreline with their only goal in the first half, by Asemahle Ndabezitha.

 

Heading to half time, a tiring Sheppie team, who had just played the last round-robin game of the day, revealed a few cracks in their armour with a couple of simple mistakes. Pouncing on these opportunities, Kingsway quietly built on their lead giving them a comfortable 6 - 1 score at half time. Kingsway’s Laubscher added another three goals to her tally, and team-mate Dedré Gravett

netted two.

 

Fifteen seconds into the second half, Laubscher moved the score up to 7 – 1 with her fifth goal of the final. The tech table had a quiet patch, with both teams not able to find the middle of the ring for three minutes, with Laubscher breaking the dry spell by earning her sixth goal, and her team's 8th with 2.42 minutes left on the clock. Port Shepstone also shook off their goal drought and Ndabezitha popped in two more magnificent goals for her team, taking the score to 8-3. 

 

On the final whistle, Laubscher launched the game's last attempt, sending the ball through the hoop and taking the end result to 9-3.

 

Captain for Kingsway, Aneliswa Maphumulo enthused after the game, “The tournament was really fun. We came in thinking we weren’t going to make it this far, so we were excited. Heading into the final, we thought we would be facing a different team, so had to change our game plan a bit. It was quite challenging facing the local team as the crowd was vocal in their support, but my team coped well with this and I am so happy that we won.”

 

Coach for the winning team, Ruan Engelbrecht shared, “The tournament was excellent. We came in today playing fast 5s for the first time this year, so we were going into it with open hearts and open minds, not expecting the result that we did today. I said to the girls each half was a new start, we take it as it comes. And the results showed how committed and focused the girls were.”

 

The fourth tournament heads to Ferrum Hoërskool for the KZN Northern Regional on Saturday 27 August. All games will be live-streamed on SuperSport Schools mobile app or their website.

 

Gold Silver Results

1 Kingsway High School, 2 Port Shepstone High School

 

Round Robin Results

1 Kingsway High School 21 points, 2 Port Shepstone High School 15 points, 3 KwaMakhutha High School 15 points, 4 Hoërskool Suid Natal 12 points, 5 Kuswag Hoërskool 12 points, 6 Southcity Christian School 6 points, 7 Amanzimtoti High School 3 points, 8 Creston College 0 points.

 

ENDS


Durban Girls’ College claim Durban North Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirl’s Fast 5s Netball Challenge

Durban North College: Saturday 13 August

 

Durban Girls’ College claim the inaugural Durban North Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Durban North College on Saturday 13 August. 

 

In a fast-flowing game, College took on Danville Park Girls’ High School in the regional final. College opened their account with a well-crafted, goal from right under the hoop by XYZ, after a nifty pass by xyz. Danville responded on the other side with a calm shot being netted by XYZ. The game yo-yo’d for a patch as one team progressed by scoring, only for the opposition to level the scoreline shortly after. 

 

Nearing the end of the first half, College pulled slightly away with two back-to-back goals, giving them an advantage of 6 goals to Danville’s 4 going into half time. 

 

Danville were first to score in the second half, edging the score up to 6-5 in favour of College, but then College dominated the next ninety seconds of play and took their tally up to 8-5. Danville pushed hard, sending up short, sharp bursts of play into the College circle but were unable to reel in the 3 point deficit. College’s signature long passes were always a decisive response to Danville’s fast attacks, and again the score stepped up with both teams firing in a goal, and then another goal being recorded on the other side. 

 

With time almost up, College took the game further away from Danville with the last passage of play seeing College basketing three more quick fire goals, taking the score to 14-8 at the full-time whistle. 

 

In the semi-finals, Durban Girls’ College met host school, Durban North College and dominated the game with an 18-2 victory. Durban Girls’ College’s players towered over their opponents, not giving Durban North College a lot of space under the net. Danville took on Crawford La Lucia in their semi-final and in a very even matched game, took the win 10-8, with both teams only scoring three goals each in the second half. 

 

Captain for Durban Girls’ College, Tanna de Freitas stated, “It was a great tournament with some amazing competition. I am very proud of everyone here today, especially my team.” 

 

Durban Girls’ College were invited to play in the week leading up to the tournament as one of the confirmed local teams, sadly had to withdraw. 

 

De Freitas continued, “We were a late entry for this tournament so winning today was a bit of a surprise but the whole experience was very enjoyable.”

 

Coach for Durban Girls’ College, Annie Nurcombe said, “The tournament was very professionally run. It was really refreshing to play a fast 5s tournament, we haven’t played for a long time and the competition was brilliant and the umpires were amazing and I thank you all for your contribution and this opportunity.”

 

Coach for Danville Park Girls’ High School, former Protea’s netball player, Precious Mthembu said, “I think the girls improved as the games went on. It was the first time for them playing fast 5s. Thank you to SPAR and the team that put this event together, it was an opportunity for the girls to play again as a team. This tournament was a good measure to see how Danville have been doing. We played College earlier in the season and the difference was huge, and now to get a 14-8 loss against them shows that our team has improved a lot. Some wonderful netball was played today by all the teams, especially after the long CoViD break. Well done to everyone here today.”

 

The next tournament takes place at Southcity Christian School on Saturday 20 August where teams will participate in the KZN South Coast Regional. All games will be live-streamed by SuperSport Schools on their mobile app or on their website. 

 

END

 


SPAR KZN Schoolgirl’s Fast 5s Netball Challenge 2022 KZN Dates Announcement

After a CoViD break, SPAR KZN is excited to get back onto the courts with the announcement of the dates for their second SPAR KZN Schoolgirl’s Fast 5s Netball Challenge. 

This year the fast-paced Fast 5s tournament will venture to seven regions instead of the previous four from the inaugural challenge in 2019. Getting the 2022 tournament underway with the KZN North Coast Regional, host school Empangeni High School welcomes teams from their area on Saturday 30 July. 

August sees three tournaments, the first at Durban North College where teams will meet for the Durban North Regional on Saturday 13 August, followed by the KZN South Coast Regional at Southcity Christian School on Saturday 20 August and then heading inland to Ferrum Hoërskool for the KZN Northern Regional on Saturday 27 August.

Kokstad College welcomes teams for the KZN Southern Regional on Saturday 10 September, followed by the Highway Regional at Hillcrest High School on Saturday 17 September. Rounding off the challenge is the midlands’ schools meeting at Voortrekker Hoërskool for the Pietermaritzburg Regional on Saturday 15 October.

The running of the programme will differ slightly from region to region, depending on the number of schools and if the hosts will run games in a round robin or pool game format. The coaches can give instructions from the sideline during play, and they have an unlimited allowance for substitutions. Eight players can represent each team, with coaches ensuring five players are constantly on the court – Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Centre (C), Goal Defence (GD) and Goal Keeper (GK).

Previous winners from the first year, back to defend their titles are Hillcrest High in the Highway / Durban Regional; St Anne’s College in the Pietermaritzburg Regional; Tholokuhle High School in the KZN North Coast Regional and Creston College in the KZN South Coast Regional 

With all netball eyes turning their attention to Cape Town for next year’s 2023 Netball World Cup, these ‘hoopful’ youngsters taking to the courts in the SPAR Challenge will dream and aspire to one day be representing their country at its highest level in years to come. 

Games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport School’s Mobile App and website. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Creston College wins Southern Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball

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SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball

Southcity Christian College: Saturday 24 August

 

Creston College claimed the first Southern Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball that took place at Southcity Christian College on Saturday 24 August.

 

Creston stormed into the final where they met Suid Natal for the second time, having both played in the opening game of the tournament, the score went 6 to 4 in favour of the local team. The two teams then closed the tournament after two feisty semi-finals, where they took each other on in two 8 minute action packed halves.

 

Goal Shooter for the winning team, Joanelle Herman had fantastic stats in the crowning game with a higher success rate than her counter part on the opposite side, netting 6 of her team’s 7 goals. Majority of Suid Natal’s attempts agonisingly skirted along or bounced off the rim with only 3 finding the centre.

 

At half time, Creston completely dominated the scoreline with the scoreboard showing 5 – 1 to Creston. For the first 4 minutes and 19 seconds of the second half, the hard working scorer on the sidelines didn’t have any work to do as the game flowed between the two goals with no one able to float the ball into the net.

 

Creston broke the goal drought with two quick fire goals, taking the scoreline up to 7 - 1. As the clock wound down, Suidies finally managed to penetrate the strong defence and net two goals with the final whistle blowing at 7 - 3 to Creston.

 

Leading up to the finals, explosive and impressive Ixopo met their match in the first semi final where they took on Creston. In their first run on the court, Ixopo managed a fantastic win against Creston earlier in the day, with the score favouring the travelling team 6 – 5. In the semi, the towering frame of Raine van Tichelen in the Goal Keeper’s spot would have none of the sneaky low passes and bulls-eye perfect goal attempts as she swiftly moved in the circle blocking most of Ixopo’s attempts. Creston’s Herman again did her job, netting 4 of the 6 goals scored for her team. The pocket rockets from Ixopo were only able to sneak 1 shot in with the goal line ending on 6 – 1 in favour of Creston.

 

In the second semi-final, Suid Natal came up against host school, Southcity. From the first whistle the game ping-ponged between the two posts, with both teams moving the ball rapidly up to their attacking players, and then quickly finding themselves in defense mode. At half time there was nothing in it with Suid Natal slightly ahead on 8 – 6.

 

After their half time pep talk, the visiting team put their head down and determinedly defended like queens, not allowing the hosts to have any constructive time in the circle. Suid Natal earned themselves another 3 points, while Southcity were unable to shoot any points. The final score was 11 – 6 for Suid Natal, giving them a ticket through to the final.

 

Umpire for the day was awarded to Bronwin Day-Garden from Southcity.

 

This is the second of four regionals in the inaugural SPAR KZN Schoolgirl’s Fast 5s challenge. Creston College join Hillcrest High School as the first school to have their name engraved on the brand new glistening regional trophy.

 

This coming weekend, (Saturday 31 August) the tournament heads up to the north coast where teams from around the Empangeni and Richard’s Bay area take part in the Northern Regional at Empangeni High School.

 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

 

Results

1 Creston College, 2 Suid Natal High School, 3 Southcity Christian College, 4 Ixopo High School, 5 Marburg High School


ENDS