Mami Diale: Three-city TNL rollout aims to bring the game closer to communities

By Mpumi Manyisi
5th April 2026

Netball South Africa President Mami Diale says the decision to host the 2026 Telkom Netball League across three cities is part of a broader strategy to bring the sport closer to its supporters.

This year’s competition will begin in Durban from 24 April to 2 May, before moving to Johannesburg from 22 to 31 May. The tournament will then conclude in Tshwane from 12 to 15 June.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Diale explained that the multi-city format forms part of a strategic plan to engage different communities while empowering local stakeholders through skills development initiatives.

“The strategic move for Netball South Africa’s executive going forward is to capacitate our people in areas where we host events. By taking the Telkom Netball League to three cities, we are bringing the sport closer to the people and reintroducing netball at community level through clinics, workshops, and volunteering opportunities.

“We are also focusing on training members in areas such as venue branding and match-day announcing, among other skills,” said Diale.

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The opening leg in Durban will also include development programmes, with Telkom partnering with Netball South Africa to host coaching clinics and selection workshops for KwaZulu-Natal officials. Meanwhile, the promotion of KwaZulu Natal Kingdom Stars to Division 1 has been highlighted as a positive indicator of growth in the region.

“Kingdom Stars’ promotion to the A section reflects growth and progression. We hope that promoted teams can at least finish in the top five, as this will demonstrate the impact of development efforts in the province. Telkom’s investment will also begin to bear fruit through increased player recognition at national level,” added Diale.

Looking ahead, Diale emphasised that the 2026 edition will prioritise capacity building and structural improvements within the sport.

“In 2026, the focus will be on capacity building, incremental improvements in financial administration for players and officials, and the categorisation of payment structures. We will also increase the appointment of technical officials, umpires, and volunteers.

“Additionally, members will be trained for MC roles, and a newly appointed netball presenter will take on responsibilities at the Telkom Blue Table,” she expressed.