Netball South Africa expands national contracts in bold step toward professionalisation

Netball South Africa (NSA) has taken a significant step toward the professionalisation of the sport, announcing an expanded group of 17 contracted national players. The squad will be supported by an additional seven training partners as part of an ongoing commitment to building a competitive and sustainable high-performance system.

“It’s a sign of our ongoing commitment to building a competitive and sustainable high-performance system. We are ready to take a bold step in professionalising netball and are very intentional to ensure that our players are well taken care of,” said Netball South Africa President Mami Diale.

Speaking to Eyewitness News, Diale explained the metrics used by the coaching staff to determine when a training partner earns one of the primary contracts. She emphasised that selection is based on performance and maintaining a high standard of play on the national platform.

“We must also admit that some of the players have been off the SA netball radar for a while while competing internationally; hence, it is important for them to first compete on an NSA national platform and follow all processes of being identified again.”

The President noted that while 10 players were contracted in the previous financial year, performance-based growth necessitated the addition of seven more. These 24 athletes are contracted for the 2026/2027 financial year, running until April 2027. Diale clarified that the door remains open for others who excel and meet the selection criteria.

Diale highlighted that netball remains the leading women's sport in South Africa, with a "blueprint to cater for women first." However, the federation is also looking toward the 2028 inaugural Men’s Netball World Cup.

“We will need to have a semi-professional league for the males because they will be competing at the first Men's Netball World Cup in 2028; hence, we need a naming rights sponsor for the males,” Diale said. She pointed out that South Africa’s men are currently three-time Africa Cup Champions, ranking them number one on the continent.

With the 2026 Telkom Netball League set to take place across Durban, Johannesburg, and Tshwane, the federation aims to increase accessibility and community impact.

Beyond the matches, NSA will host workshops and clinics in collaboration with Telkom. These outreach programs will include equipment giveaways and club recruitment drives.

“It’s all about making a difference to people’s lives and giving job opportunities to those who will be volunteering during the events,” Diale concluded. “We want to provide the resources needed for our players to perform at the highest level.”