KwaZulu-Natal pride and passion took centre stage as the Kingdom Stars and Kingdom Queens were officially unveiled and celebrated in a spirited send-off ahead of the 2026 Telkom Netball League, set to commence from 24 April to 02 May at the Durban University of Technology(Steve Biko Campus).
The iconic Kingsmead Cricket Stadium came alive on Thursday afternoon, buzzing with excitement as players, coaches and stakeholders, gathered for the occasion. Joining the send-off was a distinguished lineup of leaders, including the MEC for Sport, Art and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, Sports Confederation President Mr Thami Mchunu, Netball South Africa President Mamie Diale, and KZN Netball President Mrs Gugu Ngema alongside DSAC officials ,Stakeholders and government representatives, all coming together in support of the teams ahead of their journey ahead.
Delivering an inspiring address MEC Khawula ,applauded the teams for their dedication and commitment urging them to carry pride of the province with confidence and determination as they step into the national stage. He extended his best wishes to the team for the Telkom Netball League campaign, called on upon supporters to come out in numbers to fill the venue to capacity, and expressed expressed appreciation to the mother body, Netball South Africa for continuing to take the game closer to people.
Mrs Ngema highlighted the importance of the tournament : "The Telkom Netball League is an important platform for our players to shine and proudly represent province, and it opens doors for national selection. I urge athletes to go out there ,give their best and embrace the opportunity. We also sincerely appreciate the trust Netball SA continues to place in KwaZulu-Natal by hosting the tournament back-to-back."
All eyes will be on the dynamic duo Nozipho Ntshangase and Thulisile Maduna whose recent national call ups have elevated expectation and excitement. Meanwhile the Kingdom Queens will lean on the experience and leadership of the captain Nolwazi Mathe with reliable Aphiwe Thusini bringing strength and compure under the poles.
