Team off to netball nationals

The Chris Hani Netball Association selected a strong team to represent the district at the Spar national championships in Cape Town this month.

The association finalised the selection process at Manz Buy and Braai over the weekend. The U19 team, comprising 11 players, is set to leave in three weeks’ time and is expected to undergo intensive training.

Association assistant secretary Nicolene van Schalkwyk said with an estimated 300 players taking part in the region, the association had again registered in the B league. She said they were optimistic and gunning for exceptional results. “Various municipalities are at least represented in this group and I think we will do well this time at the championships because we didn’t do badly last year. We came seventh.” Van Schalkwyk said the games normally had 36 participating teams, but were still awaiting drafts which were usually sent two weeks before the games.

She said the selection of a senior and an U21 team would be finalised in a week and both teams will play at the national championships in Johannesburg from August 4 at the University of Johannesburg. The championships are hosted by Netball South Africa.

“We always struggle in terms of affiliation and registration and would appreciate support from locals. We ask that they assist us with sponsorships because some of our challenges are with things like accommodation which can amount to roughly R15 000 for 30 players and that’s a lot of money. We work very hard to get there, but I believe we will.”

Van Schalkwyk said they would set up a schedule for training this week, allowing scholars to finish their examinations first.

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