Middies U/15 Netball Team Crowned Champions of Kay Motsepe Schools Championship.
The Middelburg Hoërskool U/15 Netball team has emerged victorious in the prestigious Kay Motsepe Schools Championship, held on September 28 at Bergsig in Rustenburg, North West.
The tournament, organized by the Motsepe Foundation in partnership with Sanlam, the South African Football Association, the Department of Basic Education, and the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, brought together top netball talents from schools across the country.
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The teams competed for a share of R8.6 million in prize money, dedicated to improving school facilities and equipment. Coach Zelna Venter expressed her delight after lifting the trophy with her team and receiving a R200,000 cheque. “The Kay Motsepe Championships provided our girls with a life-changing experience,” she said. “The moment we arrived, the atmosphere was friendly and inviting. The foundation gives athletes the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and we’re grateful for their support.”
Venter highlighted the significant impact of the tournament on the community, noting that four schools received prize money to improve their facilities. “If you’re not part of the journey, you wouldn’t know how invested Kay Motsepe is in youth development and educational facilities,” she said. “They create meaningful improvements, and we’re thankful for their focus on sport and athlete development.”
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The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Last year, they finished fifth in the SA U/14 championships, but this year, they set their sights on a medal. “We sat down with the girls and created a plan, setting small and bigger goals,” Du Preez explained. “Our value statement for the year was positivity, respect, and discipline, and we stuck to it.”
Venter praised her team, saying, “The girls are absolutely phenomenal – their talent is one thing, but the way they support each other is incredible. They inspire other players to do the same.” She expressed her gratitude to the Motsepe Foundation and Sanlam for investing in netball, adding, “A lot has changed for netball since I played in high school. These partnerships are giving netball the exposure it deserves.”
