Win Streaks Boost Johannesburg and Mangaung Semifinal Ambitions

Johannesburg and Mangaung were successful in all their matches, boosting their chances of reaching the semifinals during Day 3 of the Spar National Netball Championships at Ellis Park Arena in Gauteng on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

These two teams from Gauteng were the only ones to finish Day 3 with five wins and just one loss in the tournament hosted by the City of Johannesburg.

The two-time defending champions Johannesburg secured a crucial victory over the Potchefstroom team, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, after a tough battle where their opponents were leading by five goals at halftime. Johannesburg fought back impressively in the third quarter and eventually won the match 43-36.

It was a bittersweet victory for Johannesburg captain Didintle Keebine, who previously played for Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. She expressed her emotions after the match, acknowledging her growth as a player during her time with Dr. KK.

Despite the emotional victory, Keebine acknowledged that there is room for improvement and the team needs to work harder for a successful title defense.

Capturing another crucial game, the Cape derby ended in a draw between Cape Town and Cape Winelands, showcasing the high level of netball in Western Cape.

Continuing their winning streak, Mangaung overcame Cape Town and Tshwane with hard-fought victories, maintaining their strong position in the tournament.

Looking ahead, the teams are focused on maintaining their performance and staying mentally strong throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, the under-21 defending champions Tshwane secured a convincing 51-40 victory over Dr. Kenneth Kaunda in the ongoing tournament.

Results of the Senior and U21 Spar National Netball Championships at Ellis Park Arena on Wednesday, 4 December, 2024

Senior A

Tshwane A bt eThekwini 53-36Nelson Mandela Bay A bt Ekurhuleni A 41-39Johannesburg A bt SA U/21 53-46Mangaung A bt Cape Town A 55-53Cape Winelands bt Ekurhuleni A 56-19Johannesburg A bt Dr Kenneth Kaunda A 43-36Nelson Mandela Bay A bt eThekwini A 56-30Mangaung A bt Tshwane A 58-47Cape Town A drew Cape Winelands 49-49SA U/21 bt Dr Kenneth Kaunda A 43-40

U21 A

Cape Town A bt Mangaung 50-37Dr Kenneth Kaunda A drew Johannesburg A 40-40Mangaung bt Johannesburg A 52-29Tshwane A bt Dr Kenneth Kaunda A 51-40

A Section Results on Tuesday, 3 December, 2024

Nelson Mandela Bay 45 – 51 Cape TowneThekwini 34 – 33 EkurhuleniDr Kenneth Kaunda 41 – 39 Cape WinelandsMangaung 50 – 47 JohannesburgTshwane 45 – 45 Nelson Mandela BayCape Town 69 – 46 eThekwiniTshwane 53 – 59 Dr Kenneth KaundaCape Winelands 53 – 37 SA U21Johannesburg 63 – 32 EkurhuleniMangaung 50 – 42 Nelson Mandela BayCape Winelands 62 – 44 TshwaneeThekwini 34 – 53 Dr Kenneth KaundaCape Town 42 – 58 JohannesburgEkurhuleni 33 – 61 SA U21Mangaung 53-42 SA U21

A Section Results on Monday, 2 December, 2024

Cape Town 57 – 45 EkurhuleniCape Winelands 56 – 24 Nelson Mandela BayJohannesburg 69 – 35 eThekwiniTshwane 48 – 42 SA U21Mangaung 63 -27 EkurhuleniDr Kenneth Kaunda 51 – 30 Nelson Mandela BayeThekwini 44 – 53 SA U21Johannesburg 63 – 42 TshwaneMangaung 46 – 51 Cape WinelandsDr Kenneth Kaunda 47 – 51 Cape Town

Original Copy: Netball SA, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: Top among 2024 SPAR National Netball Championships highlights was the tie between Cape Derby rivals represented in this picture by Lize Rossouw of Cape Winelands and Adri Kannemyer of Cape Town A, contesting possession of the ball in their 49-all draw at Ellis Park Netball in Johannesburg, on Wednesday, 4 December, 2024. All Photos: Reg Caldecott

Photo 2 Caption: A bitter-sweet victory for Johannesburg A’s Panashe Chiranga (right) seen competing against Neo Mosweu of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, the defending champs roll on.

Photo 3 Caption: Also unbeaten on day 3, Mangaung captain Xandri Fourie tests the limits of her athletic ability for an incredible catch in their win over Cape Town A on Wednesday.

Photo 4 Caption: Cape Town A Centre Amber Coraizin suspended in mid-air, the Cape Derby ending in a draw against Cape Winelands.

Photo 5 Caption: Regan Millard a picture of concentration as she extends Tshwane’s lead in their win against eThekwini at Ellis Park Netball in Johannesburg.