Johannesburg eyes a hat-trick of titles in the Senior National championships

After defeating Tshwane in the previous two finals held in Potchefstroom and Rustenburg, Johannesburg will host this year’s tournament, which was rescheduled from its usual August date due to the Olympic Games during Women’s Month. 

READ: Jose Riveiro plays down CRB’s struggles ahead of CAFCL’s group stages opener

Johannesburg coach Elsje Jordaan is confident her team can clinch a third consecutive championship on home turf.

''We are now the double champions, and it will be nice to do it three times in a row. We will definitely try to defend our title. We have a new team - lost some of the players to the senior national team and to the under-21, but Johannesburg has depth and it is another opportunity for other players to step in and play,'' said Jordaan.

Johannesburg will serve as the host city, and Jordaan is confident that her team will capitalize on this home ground advantage to secure their third consecutive title.

''Yes Johannesburg is hosting, and how special will it be if we can win at home our third title, it will be big for us,'' added Jordaan.

The Gauteng derby between Johannesburg and Tshwane is always a spectacle, often described as a "final before the final." These fierce rivals, who clashed in previous cup finals, are set to meet again in the second match of the round-robin stage. Jordaan anticipates another thrilling encounter in this high-stakes showdown.

''Yes, it is definitely like that, Gauteng pride is at stake between the two districts. We have a lot of respect for them and their netball programs. But I think it will be a great game, but I do hope Joburg will be the winner at the end of the day,'' she expressed.

Jordaan expressed concern about competing in the hot weather during this time of year and encouraged teams to make full use of their squad depth to prevent player fatigue.