25/08/2026
NEW PATHWAY FOR GIRLS TO REACH THEIR DREAMS
37 teams from 32 schools come together for a vibrant celebration of school netball in Hammanskraal
Hammanskraal, Gauteng — 22 August 2026
The Reach for Your Dreams Championships, hosted by Mintirho Netball Academy at Temba Stadium, brought together 37 teams from 32 schools for a vibrant day of competition, friendship and opportunity for the girl child.
The tournament featured 10 U/12 teams, 10 U/13 teams, 9 U/16 teams and 8 U/19 teams, with schools from Moretele (13), Tshwane (14) and, for the first time, DR JS Moroka (5).
The atmosphere was energetic, joyful and supportive, with teams competing fiercely while celebrating one another's achievements. One of the highlights was seeing primary school girls sharing the same tournament platform with high school players, giving younger athletes an opportunity to watch, learn from and be inspired by older players.
For many of the girls, it was their first experience of a tournament of this scale , an opportunity to make new friendships, meet high-performance players and coaches, interact with senior sports administrators and compete for individual player awards.
The participation of five schools from DR JS Moroka, including primary and secondary schools, was one of the key highlights of the tournament.
Travelling from rural communities to experience the championship with their teachers, the excitement of the players on court captured the importance of creating opportunities beyond traditional netball pathways.
A representative from DR JS Moroka expressed their intention to return to future tournaments, signalling an exciting opportunity for the continued expansion of the Mintirho platform.
Partnerships empowering the girl child
The tournament was strengthened by partners who contributed to both the sporting experience and the development of the girls.
Net Nine Nine continued its investment in school netball, bringing the total number of schools kitted through its support to 11 across 2025 and 2026.
Lil-lets South Africa supported more than 400 participating girls with sanitary towels and beautiful co-branded T-shirts, while its Break the Cycle activation brought important menstrual health conversations into the tournament environment.
Drug-Free Sport ZA engaged athletes through anti-doping education, reinforcing the importance of clean sport and responsible athletic development.
Living Ball supplied every participating school with a match ball, while MILO South Africa kept athletes and participants energised through its activation.
The tournament also received continued support from Thunder Bay Spur Steak Ranch, Malanseuns, aQuellé alongside local businesses and community stakeholders.
Women and community leaders showing up for girls
The presence of leading local businesswomen, senior women in sport and representatives from the Department of Education added another important dimension to the day.
Among the supporters were Mmabatho Funeral & Tombstones who also pledged to support girls who do not have proper netball shoes , an initiative that will be highlighted separately.
Their presence demonstrated the importance of women and community leaders investing in the next generation through sport.
Building a pathway from the township to bigger dreams
For Mintirho Netball Academy, the championship represents more than an annual tournament. It is part of a vision to create a sustainable pathway for talent development and identification in Hammanskraal and surrounding communities.
A festival-style tournament of this scale is often associated with established sporting centres. Mintirho is intentionally bringing that experience closer to rural, semi-rural and township schools, giving young girls access to competition, exposure and opportunities that can shape their sporting journeys.
Reflecting on the tournament, Founder Diana Hlongwane said:
“I am fulfilled, grateful to the LORD for entrusting me with this vision and responsibility and excited about what the future holds. This is a big opportunity for talent development and identification, and we want to see this tournament continue to grow as a pathway for netball development in our communities.”
Mintirho Netball Academy extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participating schools, coaches, teachers, officials, volunteers, sponsors, community leaders and partners who contributed to making the championship possible.
Special appreciation goes to the Moretele, Tshwane and DR JS Moroka DoE schools netball leadership for coming together in partnership to grow school netball.
“Dreams come true. God's Word becomes flesh.”
For all of this, Mintirho Netball Academy gives God all the glory for the things He has done.
