All systems go for the Spar National Netball Championships in Cape Town

The stage is set for the 2026 edition, which will take place at Stellenburg High School, Cape Town, from Thursday until 12 August. 

Diale told SABC Sport that teams from various districts have arrived and are ready to battle for top honours.

Johannesburg go into the tournament as the defending champions after winning the title for four consecutive years, and they will be aiming for a remarkable fifth straight crown.

"This championship is growing bigger and bigger, we have 110 teams that will be participating here. We always preach inclusion and access and this is the platform where everyone gets a chance."

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Diale, who took over from Cecilia Molokwane as NSA president a year ago, has encouraged players to use the championships as a platform to impress the national selectors.

She believes the tournament remains one of the most important pathways for players hoping to earn recognition and possibly break into the Spar Proteas setup.

"This is where champions are born and this is where players play for the possibility to be selected as a Spar Proteas Player. We give you the resources and the opportunities and it's up to you as a player on how you want to use this opportunity. We wish everybody well in this championship."

The championships will also have an international flavour, with Botswana and Namibia among the countries taking part, as part of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya in September.

For the past three years the championships were staged in December, but NSA has now moved the tournament to August.

Diale explained that the change were made to give players, coaches and provincial teams enough time to prepare properly for the remainder of the domestic season and upcoming international commitments.