Dewald van Niekerk is hunting squash history at Makers Landing, and if the past five years are anything to go by, you wouldn’t bet against him rewriting the record books once again.

The SA Country Districts phenomenon will headline a star-studded men’s field at the Growthpoint SA Senior National Squash Championships, chasing a remarkable sixth successive title on the all-glass court at the V&A Waterfront from August 20 to 22.

Van Niekerk’s dominance has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since his last defeat at the 2020 championships – a loss to Rodney Durbach in Pretoria – the tenacious shot-maker has been utterly untouchable. He claimed his maiden national crown the following year and hasn’t looked back, surpassing Steve Coppinger’s benchmark of four consecutive titles last year to stand alone atop the national squash pantheon.

Now, he’s poised to extend his reign even further, though the path to glory promises plenty of pitfalls.

The Groenewald brothers loom large

Van Niekerk’s toughest challenges will likely emerge from the Groenewald stable, with brothers Damian and Luhann seeded second and third respectively.

Damian has already proven he can push the champion to the brink, taking Van Niekerk to five gruelling games at the Growthpoint Jarvis-Kaplan interprovincial tournament in July. That marathon encounter underlined his credentials as a genuine threat to the crown.

The second seed opens his campaign against fellow Northerns player Judah Phillips, who has enjoyed an impressive season and will relish testing himself against one of the country’s elite.

Meanwhile, Luhann Groenewald – widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most exciting young prospects – faces a baptism of fire against 2019 champion JP Brits in what promises to be a first-round blockbuster.

The other opening encounter pits fourth seed John Anderson of Joburg Squash against Eastern Province’s Dean Venter, an emerging talent determined to make his mark on the national stage.

Ward ready to end runner-up heartbreak

The women’s draw has thrown open with defending champion and six-time winner Alex Commins opting not to enter, handing top billing to Eastern Province No 1 Hayley Ward.

One of South Africa’s leading international players, Ward has endured the agony of back-to-back runner-up finishes and will be desperate to convert her consistency into a maiden national title. She begins against Western Province’s Kim McDonald.

Second seed Helena Hudson of Northerns has caught the eye in this year’s Assore tournaments and faces SA Country Districts No 7 Keschia Schlebusch in her opener.

Third seed and 2021 champion Lizelle Muller – Van Niekerk’s sister and fellow SACD representative – takes on Northerns’ Lara Patrick, whilst fourth seed Alexa Pienaar squares off against Western Province’s Milnay Louw.

That last encounter could prove the pick of the first-round clashes. Pienaar is a former University Sport SA champion, whilst Louw lifted the national title in both 2017 and 2019, making her a dangerous floater capable of derailing any title challenge.

A stage to thrive

Estienne de Klerk, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties, emphasised the company’s commitment to providing a platform for excellence.

“The Growthpoint SA Senior National Squash Championships brings together the very best of South African squash, from established champions to the next generation, showcasing the depth of talent in South African in this sport,” he said.

“Growthpoint is proud to provide Space to Thrive by supporting a championship that gives these athletes a national stage on which to compete at their best.”

The City of Cape Town has again backed the championships, with Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith highlighting its significance.

“The City of Cape Town is proud to continue its support for the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals in 2026,” Smith said. “It has been both a privilege and a point of pride for the City to serve not only as the host city, but as a valued partner in delivering one of the premier events on the national squash calendar.”

The V&A Waterfront are equally enthusiastic about hosting the tournament for a sixth consecutive year, with head of public relations Donald Kau saying: “The Growthpoint SA Nationals tournament continues to bring incredible energy to our neighbourhood while showcasing the V&A Waterfront as a destination for world-class experiences.”

The Growthpoint Junior Nationals U15 championships will run concurrently with the senior event.

Senior Nationals first round draw

Women

1-Hayley Ward (EP) v Kim McDonald (WP), 2-Helena Hudson (Northerns) v 7-Keschia Schlebusch (SA Country Districts), 3-Lizelle Muller (SA Country Districts) v 6-Lara Patrick (Northerns), 4-Alexa Pienaar (SA Country Districts) v 5-Milnay Louw (WP).

Men

1-Dewald van Niekerk (SA Country Districts) v 8-Reuel Videler (SA Country Districts), 2-Damian Groenewald (Northerns) v 7-Judah Phillips (Northerns), 3-Luhann Groenewald (Northerns) v JP Brits (SA Country Districts), 4-John Anderson (Joburg Squash) v 5-Dean Venter (EP).

U15 Nationals draw

Girls

1-Chanel Leppan (Northerns) v 8-Kaitlin Saaiman (Free State), 2-Kimeya Moonisami (KZN) v 7-Aakiefah Taliep (WP), 3-Simi Shwababa (Border) v 6-Janel Hall (EP), 4-Mia Bakkes (Northerns) v 5-Jenna-Leigh Wyllie (WP).

Boys

1-Ponatshego Molefe (Joburg Squash) v 8-Emile Erasmus (Northerns), 2-Rupert Good (WP) v 7-Phethahatso Motsoeneng (Limpopo), 3-Zaid Badroodien (WP) v 6-Keeran Morrison (EP), 4-Zander Smit (Boland) v 5-George Hung (Free State).