MARK WARD

Cape Town teachers, Sakeena Williams and Nicole Mangondo are relishing in the opportunity which the DStv Netball Challenge has provided them to become commentators during the running of the 2024 edition of the national under-19 school tournament.

Williams and Mangondo were behind the microphones during the live broadcast of the Western Cape play-offs on the SuperSport School app as well as on DStv’s Channel 216, from the De Kuilen High School in Kuils River on Saturday.

Mangondo, a physical education teacher and sport coach at Herschel Girls’ High School, describes the chance to share her knowledge with the viewers as a “magical and exciting”.

“This is only my second time commentating stint at a netball event, but it’s been great. Initially I was nervous, but I have become used to it. Who knows I might just become a top commentator one of these days,” she quipped.

“When I did my first stint my learners were very excited on my return to school. Now I have become somewhat of an analyst. The players demand of me to give them feedback on their performances, like I do on television after all our school's league matches.”

Williams, who teaches life orientation and physical education at Wynberg Girls’, says commentating has been an enriching experience for her.

“I got involved through acquaintances. I must say it’s been an exciting experience and I hope to continue with some more time behind the microphone. Well at this stage it is just a part-time gig but it's something I would like to pursue,” she added before trotting off for her third stint of the day.

La Rochelle, meanwhile, were crowned the 2024 Western Cape DSTV Netball Challenge champions, while last year’s finalist Paarl Girls’ and Paarl Gymnasium had to fight for second and third place, respectively.

La Rochelle emerged victorious after ending the Top-6 play-offs unbeaten at the De Kuilen High School on Saturday after ending on top of group A with eight points followed by Durbanville to take the honours in the Batho section.

The only hick-up in La Rochelle’s march to their first major netball honours was a17-17 draw in the Top-6 play-offs with Paarl Gimnasium. However, they manage to scrape through 21-19 after extra time to retain their unbeaten record at the event.

La Rochelle will be joined by last year’s national finalist Paarl Gymnasium and Paarl Girls’ at this year’s national play-offs, which are scheduled to take place at the Hoërskool Florida in Roodepoort next month.

Bardale, winners of the Ubuntu section during the 2024 edition of the Western Cape Finals of the DStv Netball Challenge at the De Kuilen High School in Kuils River on Saturday. Picture: Mark Ward

In the Ubuntu section, Bardale and Manzomthombo from Mfuleni will also be competing at next month's finals.

Bardale beat Manzomthombo 15-10 in the final after beating Weston from Vredenburg 15-10 in the semifinal. Manzomthombo was, however, made to work hard to edge out Desmond Tutu of Paarl, 16-15.

The tournament, which has become a highlight on the girls’ sports calendar over the past four years, is a partnership between Multichoice, South African Schools Netball, and the Department of Basic Education in a bid to provide a stage for players from both urban and rural areas to experience and participate in a leading woman sport.

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