The 2026 Telkom Netball Championships delivered six days of exceptional youth netball action at Hoërskool Dr E.G. Jansen in Boksburg, as South Africa’s brightest young talent took centre stage in a tournament that continues to shape the future of the sport.
As a cornerstone of Telkom’s commitment to netball development, the Telkom Netball Championships (TNC) once again demonstrated why it is the ultimate platform for aspiring athletes to begin their journey from grassroots competition to elite performance. Embodying Telkom’s Stand Tall From First Pass to Crown campaign, the tournament showcased how opportunity, dedication and perseverance can transform potential into achievement.
The story of the 2026 championships belonged to Harry Gwala, who completed a remarkable rise from fifth place in 2025 to national champions after defeating defending champions Tshwane A 36-29 in a gripping final.
Reflecting on the achievement, Harry Gwala coach Berto Mnikina praised the commitment shown by his players throughout their journey.
“We finished fifth last year, so to come here and win the championship is a reflection of the hard work the girls have put in. They worked extremely hard before coming to the tournament and I am very proud of what they have achieved,” said Mnikina.
For many players, the TNC represents their first opportunity to compete on a national stage and dream of one day progressing to the Telkom Netball League. Mnikina believes the championships provide a vital pathway for young athletes who are still developing their careers.
Leading Harry Gwala’s charge was captain Mbali Diphoko, who also competes in the Telkom Netball League for the Kingdom Stars. Drawing from her experience at the highest level of domestic netball, Diphoko embraced the responsibility of guiding her younger teammates throughout the tournament.
“Our preparation was intense. We trained every day, completed road running sessions and worked extremely hard as a team. We came into the tournament prepared and determined,” said Diphoko.
As both a TNL player and TNC captain, Diphoko highlighted the importance of leadership and belief in helping her team navigate the pressures of competition.
“I wanted to lead by example and make sure the younger players trusted themselves. The message of ‘First Pass to Crown’ is about believing in yourself from the very beginning. From our first game, we realised what we were capable of and we kept pushing, regardless of the challenges.”
While Tshwane A surrendered the title they won in 2025, head coach Caroline Paul, who is also a TNL player for Gauteng Jaguars praised her team’s growth throughout the week and expressed confidence that many of her players have the potential to progress to the Telkom Netball League.
“The players I started the tournament with are not the same players I have today. They have grown tremendously throughout the week and that is something I am incredibly proud of,” said Paul.
The 2026 Telkom Netball Championships once again reinforced the importance of investing in youth development and creating opportunities for young athletes to compete, learn and grow. From the first whistle to the final crown, the tournament served as a powerful reminder that every netball journey begins with a single pass, and with dedication, resilience and opportunity, can lead all the way to championship success.
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