Johannesburg chase fourth straight Spar national crown

Having already secured three titles on the trot, head coach Dr Elsje Jordaan told SABC Sport that her side is hungry to make it four in a row. 

She says her players are fired up for the prestigious event, where the best of South African netball will battle it out on the same court for top honours.

"We are a championship team and you know like you said we've won it three times in a row and obviously we are coming as hard as we can and we will play the best netball we can,” Jordaan said.

“We will see how the youngsters live up to the expectations and yeah, we are definitely gonna try and defend our title once again.”

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With the Proteas preparing to host England in a test series at Ellis Park Sports Arena in January, Jordaan says the championships provide an ideal platform for players to showcase their skills. 

National selectors will be in attendance, giving rising stars the chance to push for places in the senior national team.

"Yes, it's always like that the Spar Championships have been the breeding ground for Proteas and it's another opportunity for players to put up their hands and say, listen, look at me and look at the good netball I can play,” she added. 

“If you can perform on this level and show that you can be consistent, you can show coaches that you can try on the next level."

Traditionally staged during Women’s Month in August, the national championships have, for the past three years, been shifted to December — a period marked by hot and rainy conditions. 

Jordaan says she would prefer the event to return to its traditional winter slot.