KZN Premier’s Netball Cup Launched to Elevate Women’s Sport and Talent Development

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has officially launched the 2025 KZN Premier’s Netball Cup, marking a significant step in developing netball talent and empowering young women through competitive sports. This prestigious tournament, organized in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Netball Federation, aims to create opportunities for emerging players while strengthening the sport’s professional landscape in the province.

Tournament Details

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 March 2025 at the Victoria Mxenge Indoor Complex in Umlazi, south of Durban. The competition will bring together 12 district-based teams, each named after their respective district mayors, fostering a sense of local pride and representation. The event is expected to draw significant attendance from sports enthusiasts, families, and netball fans.

Designed for female players aged 16 to 36, the KZN Premier’s Netball Cup prioritizes youth development by mandating that each 15-member squad must include at least six players under the age of 20. Additionally, teams are required to field a minimum of 12 players per match, with each participant playing at least 50% of the match duration, ensuring a fair and balanced competition.

Building a Pathway for Netball Excellence

Speaking at the launch event, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli emphasized the tournament’s significance in showcasing the skill, agility, and competitive spirit of young netball players. He highlighted the tournament as a talent pipeline for teams such as the Kingdom Stars, KZN’s professional netball franchise, and the Spar Proteas, South Africa’s national netball team.

“This initiative is not just about competition but about fostering a professional netball environment that nurtures both emerging and established players. Through this tournament, we are investing in a brighter future for netball in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa as a whole,” said Ntuli.

Beyond player development, the Premier stated that the tournament aims to contribute to netball’s holistic growth by enhancing aspects such as coaching, officiating, sports administration, marketing, and sponsorships. These investments will help create new employment opportunities while boosting sport tourism in the province.

A Call for Community and Business Support

The provincial government has called on local businesses, municipalities, and netball enthusiasts to actively engage with and support the tournament, both financially and through attendance. This engagement will ensure that netball continues to grow as one of South Africa’s most influential and widely played sports.

With over two million active players weekly, netball is the most popular female sport in South Africa and the second-most played sport overall. The success of the 2023 Netball World Cup, which South Africa hosted, further solidified the country’s global standing in the sport.

Strengthening South Africa’s Position in Global Netball

The KZN Premier’s Netball Cup aligns with the strategic vision of Netball South Africa (NSA), reinforcing South Africa’s reputation as a leading force in international netball. The continued development of regional competitions like this one will help sustain South Africa’s upward trajectory on the global stage.

As anticipation builds, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government extends its best wishes to all participating teams and encourages communities to support their local districts. This tournament is set to be a game-changer in the province’s sports landscape, providing a dynamic and competitive platform for rising netball stars.

Join the Excitement!

Residents are encouraged to attend the event and cheer for their district teams as they battle for supremacy in one of KZN’s most prestigious netball tournaments. This is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of athletic excellence, women’s empowerment, and the unifying power of sports in KwaZulu-Natal.