Cape Town Set for South Africa’s Biggest Netball Showdown

Photo Credit: Dima Dimax via Pexels

More than 1,900 players will compete during Women’s Month as the country’s biggest annual netball tournament returns.

Cape Town, South Africa (27 July 2026) – Cape Town is ready to become the heartbeat of South African netball when the 2026 SPAR National Netball Championships take over Stellenberg High School from 6 to 11 August, bringing together nearly 2,000 players from across the country for one of the biggest celebrations of women’s sport.

Taking place during Women’s Month, the annual championships will see 122 teams battle it out for national honours over six days of action.

Defending champions Johannesburg will return chasing a fifth straight senior title after edging Cape Town in a thrilling 52-51 final last year. Johannesburg also enters the tournament as the reigning Under-21 champions, setting the stage for another fiercely contested week of netball.

The championships have become one of South Africa’s most important talent pathways, with many current and former SPAR Proteas first making their names on this very stage.

Netball South Africa President Mami Diale believes the event continues to play a vital role in growing the game.

“For many years, the SPAR National Netball Championships have been a valuable platform for university clubs and coaches to discover the untapped talent available in the country. The tournament’s consistent growth demonstrates the talent and the desire of thousands of young girls to play the sport.”

She also acknowledged tournament sponsor SPAR for its continued investment in women’s sport and highlighted the organisations’ joint End Period Poverty campaign.

“The aim is to ensure that no girl misses school, training or matches because she cannot afford sanitary products. A confident player is a safer one.”

This year’s tournament will also shine a spotlight on issues affecting women and girls, including gender-based violence and period poverty, while celebrating the power of sport to inspire the next generation.