Umlazi – 6 March 2025
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, was met with energetic song and dance as he officially opened the inaugural Premier’s Netball Cup at Victoria Mxenge Hall in Umlazi. The highly anticipated tournament marks a significant step in promoting sports development and nurturing young talent across the province.
Accompanied by MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, and eThekwini Deputy Mayor, Cllr Zandile Myeni, Premier Ntuli highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to empowering young athletes and fostering a culture of excellence in sports.
“This tournament is more than just about competition—it is about giving young netball players the platform to shine, develop their skills, and ultimately represent KwaZulu-Natal on national and international stages,” said Premier Ntuli.
The Premier’s Netball Cup forms part of a broader provincial initiative to invest in grassroots sports and create opportunities for young people to pursue professional sporting careers. Through such programs, the provincial government aims to uplift communities, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage youth participation in structured sporting activities.
MEC Khawula emphasized the importance of school and community-based sports programs in identifying and developing future stars. “Netball has grown tremendously in South Africa, and we want to ensure that KwaZulu-Natal continues to produce world-class players who can compete at the highest level,” he said.
The tournament will see teams from various districts across the province competing for top honors, with scouts and coaches closely monitoring players for potential inclusion in provincial and national teams.
The Premier’s Netball Cup is expected to become a cornerstone event in KwaZulu-Natal’s sports calendar, strengthening the province’s reputation as a hub for emerging talent. The initiative reaffirms the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, gender equality in sports, and the overall development of netball in the province.
Issued by the Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal