Gqeberha – West Rand beat Ekurhuleni 65 -48 to be crowned the netball 2026 Males National Champions, held at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on Friday, 9 October 2026.
Ekurhuleni, the defending champions, gave their all, but fell short after 60 minutes.
Their opponents, West Rand, came into the match aiming to be crowned 2026 Champions, as they were intentional and clinical in executing their game plan.
At the end of the first quarter, West Rand enjoyed a nine-point lead, 19 -10.
West Rand extended their lead in the second quarter and took an overall lead of 33 -26.
West Rand cemented their position in the third quarter with an unassailable 47 – 33 lead.
From then on, it was a struggle for Ekurhuleni, and all they could hope for was to limit the losing gap.
Meanwhile, in the junior divisions (under 23) match, eThekwini dethroned Mangaung after beating them 48 -48 to be crowned champions.
The Under-23 Males’ Netball Champions, Mangaung, came into the final match of the tournament confident they would defend their title.
However, their opponents, eThekwini, were also determined to win.
Both teams started like a house on fire, but it was eThekwini who were tactically disciplined and stronger,
At the end of the quarter, eThekwini were leading Mangaung 15 – 10.
The second quarter saw Mangaung mount a comeback.
Not to be outdone, eThekwini pushed hard to ensure that they retained their lead.
In the end, it took a Mangaung missed shot in the dying seconds of the match and a conversion by eThekwini to separate the sides.
eThekwini emerged 48 – 49 winners.
Overall individual winner:
Under 23:
Best Shooter: Siboniso Gumede (eThekwini)
Best mid-court: Blessing Phiri (Mangaung)
Best defender: Nkosi Kubeka (Sedibeng)
Player of the tournament: Katleho Rotobane (Mangaung)
Senior:
Best Shooter: Njabulo Maseko (Ehlanzeni)
Best Mid–court: Zimi Mbungwana (West Rand)
Best Defender: Vukile Zulu (eThekwini)
Player of the tournament: Njabulo Nekavhambe (Ekurhuleni)
