Hlabi Secondary School’s remarkable achievement took centre stage at the prestigious 2024 SA Sports Awards, as they were crowned the Developing School Team of the Year u19 for their outstanding performance in the DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) 2023, representing the province of Limpopo.
Situated in Moguang Village, just outside the town of Groblersdal in Limpopo, Hlabi Secondary School carved its name in sports history by clinching their first-ever title at the 2024 SA Sports Awards. Their journey to success began with their debut in the inaugural DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC), where they emerged victorious under the Ubuntu category. Building upon this triumph, the young netball team returned to the tournament in 2023 and secured another title win, showcasing their dominance in the competition.
The school hosted a celebratory event to commend the achievements of the young ladies. Principal Emily Mochaki expressed, “Not all our learners are academically gifted; there are those that are struggling, so the DSTV Schools Netball Challenge makes a great impact, especially to those that are struggling because they have the opportunity to play netball as a career. We thank DSTV for exposing our learners to this tournament. They are now known countrywide. I believe they will have a brighter future in sport and in life.”
Competing against over 26,500 girls from more than 2,650 registered schools across all nine provinces, Hlabi Secondary School’s triumph is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, the school extended a heartfelt thanks to the Department of Sports and Arts and Culture, as well as their supportive communities, with special acknowledgement to their coaches Sibusiso and Dimakatso.
The DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) serves as a crucial platform for unearthing future netball stars in South Africa, providing opportunities for talented individuals to shine on the national stage. Supported by collaborative efforts from South African Schools Netball, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Basic Education, and other key stakeholders, the initiative is dedicated to nurturing and elevating netball talent across the nation.
Teams like Hlabi Secondary School exemplify the transformative power of sports, with their victory serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes nationwide. As the winners were announced at the awards, the team was hailed for “showcasing their prowess” in the sport of netball, further solidifying their place in the archives of South African sports history.