Nail-biting finishes for both Thamsanqa and Helpmekaar as they take Gauteng crowns

Orange Farm’s Thamsanqa Secondary School will finally get a taste of the national finals of the DStv Schools Netball Challenge, powered by Bestmed Medical Scheme.

Thamsanqa were crowned the champions of Gauteng in the provincial finals beating Tswelopele Secondary School in a tightly contested final that went into extra time with the Orange Farm side coming out victorious 22-21. Both sides and Tholulwazi Secondary School will represent the province in the Ubuntu stream at the nationals set for 23 to 25 July at Hoërskool Dr E.G. Jansen in Boksburg.

The DSNC is now in its sixth edition having been launched in 2021 with the aim of unearthing future Spar Proteas.

The competition is divided into two streams, Botho and Ubuntu, which offer an opportunity for the haves and have-nots to go to the top of the competition.

Thamsanqa captain, Zanele Kubheka says they are thrilled to finally make it to the national finals.

“That match was so close. It was tough. We were nervous, but we were able to hold our nerve and push them until the end. We want to do well at the nationals because we want to learn from other experienced schools so that we can grow and become a better team too. We are proud of ourselves, we are happy to have qualified for the nationals for the first time,” says Kubheka.

Botho winners, Helpmekaar Kollege defeated two-time champions, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria in the semifinal to book their place in the nationals. Affies, Hoërskool Monument and Hoërskool Menlopark will join Helpmekaar in the Botho division at the nationals.

The Braamfontein-based side beat Monument in a closely contested Botho final 23-22. Helpmekaar captain, Mignon Theunissen, says the competition was fierce but they are happy that they are the Gauteng champions.

“I feel like we worked so hard for it. We trained a lot, we really tried to fight for our discipline and keep it a clean game. Monnas did really well, they really put up a fight but in the end I am glad that we pulled through. We are going to work hard now ahead of the national finals. We are hoping for the gold medal, but I know that everyone that reaches the final is very good. We are hoping for a good competition,” says Theunissen.

Meanwhile, the Free State provincial finals displayed incredible competition in both streams. The 2022 Botho champions, C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje were challenged in their semi and only managed to finish third overall. The president of Free State Schools Netball, Constance Monyobo, says the provincials were a celebration of the extent of talent in the province.

“The 2026 DStv Schools Netball Challenge showcased the very best of Free State school netball. The rise of Voortrekker to the top spot, the consistency of Sentraal, the resilience of Oranje, and the emergence of Witteberg reflect the depth of talent within our province. It was a shocker for all today when Sentraal beat Oranje in the semifinals. Every team competed with passion, discipline, and sportsmanship, making this championship a true celebration of excellence and a fitting pathway to the national finals,” says Monyobo.

Qualified teams

Gauteng

Ubuntu

Thamsanqa Secondary School, Tswelopele Secondary School, Tholulwazi Secondary School

Botho

Helpmekaar Kollege, Hoërskool Monument, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, Hoërskool Monument and Hoërskool Menlopark

Free State

Ubuntu

Ikaheng Zakheni Secondary School, Tlotlisong Secondary School

Botho

C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, Witteberg Secondary School, Hoërskool Sentraal