Johannesburg chasing fifth straight Spar Netball Championships title

The tournament will be held at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town from 5 to 11 August.

Head coach Dr Elsje Jordaan, the most successful coach in the history of the competition, believes her side has what it takes to lift the trophy once again. 

"We have won four times in a row now so it's quite special for us as reigning champions, although it is a new year with new teams we will try our best to win it again."

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Jordaan admits this year's Commonwealth Games have had an impact on her squad, with several Proteas players already in national camp preparing for the Games.

The experienced coach says the absence of those players has opened the door for several young talents to earn an opportunity at senior level. 

"The core of the team is still strong, but we have one or two injuries and a few other international players or players that are going to the Commonwealth. We are in a rebuilding phase and we are back in that phase now where we have to expose young players and give them the opportunity to play at a high level."

While Jordaan is determined to keep Johannesburg on top, she says winning is only part of the bigger picture.

The Golden Fireballs coach believes the championships are equally important for developing young players, giving them valuable experience, and building a strong team for the future.

Johannesburg have dominated the tournament in recent years, winning the last four titles, including the past three in Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, and Johannesburg.

After being moved to December in recent years, the championships return to them 

traditional August slot, coinciding with Women's Month celebrations. 

The Gauteng side will head into the tournament as one of the favourites to defend their crown.