JOHANNESBURG - With the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League done and dusted, it is time for netball fans to turn their attention to the SPAR national championships, which will be played at the Lotto Young Park netball courts in Port Elizabeth from Monday to July 14.
As part of Netball South Africa’s (NSA’s) aim to take netball back to the people, the championships this year will be played on a district basis, rather than on a provincial basis, as was the case for the past couple of years. More than 1 100 players will take part.
“The NSA Executive believes that by playing the championships on a districts representation basis, we are able to reach more talented players,” said vice president Christine du Preez. “This creates a wider platform for more talented players to be identified."
In past years, the Championships have been held in August, which is National Women’s Month, but the tournament will be held a month earlier this year. “Schools and universities are on holiday in July, and this means that teams can stay in school or university hostels,” said Du Preez.
“This is a cheaper option for many teams that are cash-strapped. Also because the championships are in the holidays, there are no problems with missing exams or anything like that.”
#WeAreAllIn counting down to the start of the 2018 #SPARNationalChamps! pic.twitter.com/RIavUsByF4
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) June 28, 2018
There are 36 registered Under-21 teams and 51 registered senior teams. SPAR Protea players will also participate at the championships as well as all squad players. The teams will play on a round robin basis before entering the knock-out stages, with the final played on Saturday July 14.
There will be two sections, A and B, and the Under-21 championships will be played at the same time. Last year, Gauteng won the final by one goal in extra-time, beating Western Cape 47-46.