Elsje Jordaan excited as National Netball Championships return to August

Netball South Africa has confirmed that this year’s tournament will take place at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town from 5 to 11 August.

The championships had been held in December for the past three years, but they are now returning to their original place on the calendar. 

Jordaan, who has always preferred the August schedule, says she is delighted with the decision and believes it will benefit both the players and the quality of the competition.

"I'm very excited, all the players are on form so it's very important that they can play such an important championship now in Netball season."

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Jordaan, who has guided Johannesburg to four consecutive national titles, says the December tournament was difficult because of the extreme heat and demanding schedule. 

She believes the hot weather affected player performance, while the longer domestic season also left many athletes physically exhausted by the time the championships were played.

Jordaan also believes it is fitting that the championships will be played during Women’s Month. 

She says many women make huge sacrifices to participate in the tournament despite receiving no financial reward. 

She has called on the corporate sector to support the sport and help ensure that players and officials are better rewarded for their commitment.

"Netball still has an amateur status in South Africa and across the world. The players, umpires, and coaches make a lot of sacrifices to make sure that we can deliver a professional product, although we are all either volunteers or amateurs. So to have this event in women's month makes it extra special. 

"As women, we always need more sponsors so that this sport can grow and become professional. South African players deserve a professional league in this country, because although some competitions are presented professionally - there isn't any money involved."