The annual DNL Netball Tournament has been launched this week by the DNL Netball Development Programme 2026.
The tournament, a powerful platform dedicated to the development of the youth and women, education, and community upliftment through sport, will open with a gala opening and fundraising event on Thursday 5 February at Fairmont High School in Durbanville.
The tournament this year will welcome 30 elite players and mentors from across South Africa, who will engage with local teams throughout the tournament.
Bridges gap
This mentorship model bridges the gap between elite athletes and aspiring young players, inspiring the next generation of women in sport, says Dr Freda Kemp, founder and director of the DNL Tournament and Netball Development Programme.
Tournament matches will take place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February and will be broadcasted live on SuperSport Schools, allowing viewers across South Africa to experience women’s sport at its best.
“The DNL Netball Development Programme integrates structured sport development with education and social impact. The initiative provides young women and children with access to quality coaching, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, while addressing barriers such as geography and financial constraints,” says Kemp.
“This tournament is more than a competition, its giving coaches the change to settle their teams for the season. We will have the priviledge to see the best payers in Cape Town and some elite players from Gauteng that we normally only see in the Telkom netball league. They will be accompanied by Rozanne Matthyse and Dr Elsje Jordaan, coaches of Jaguers and Fireballs respectively.
“On Friday evening and Saturday there will be two exhibition matches and we invite all netball enthusiasts to the events,” she says.
“Together with our sponsors, the Cape Town Netball Federation, and our future partners, we aim to build a legacy that strengthens communities and nurtures South Africa’s emerging talent.”
Exciting milestone
The 2026 programme marks an exciting milestone with the support of GEA, a global technology supplier to the food, beverage and healthcare industries, a company listed on the German DAX.
Stadio University joins as an official sponsor of the u-19 division, expanding access to training and competitive opportunities for young netball players across South Africa. 3 Cube Management Fast 3 will also comes on board as a key partner, adding national visibility and dynamic energy to the tournament.
This year’s event is officially endorsed by the Cape Town Netball Federation, reinforcing its commitment to the growth and professionalisation of both community-level and elite netball across the region.
All funds raised will assist Cape Town players to attend the Spar National Championships, ensuring talented athletes can represent their province on a national stage.
Goalgetters programme
“We are also excited about launching our Goalgetters programme for three to five years old. We want the players to see what happens if talent meets opportunity,” Kemp says.
The Goal Getters division of the tournament, led by Luhandri van der Merwe, focuses on early childhood development, introducing foundational motor skills, teamwork, and healthy living habits through sport and play.
