Growing talent through netball
What began as preparations for a friendly netball match has grown into one of Savanna City’s most promising community sports initiatives.
Founded in 2024, Savanna Queens Netball Club has become a platform for youth development, offering young people a safe and structured environment where they can develop sporting talent, build confidence, and learn valuable life skills.
The club’s journey started when a local team challenged community members to a netball game. As preparations got underway, young girls from the area began attending training sessions. Their enthusiasm and commitment inspired organisers to establish a permanent club, creating opportunities that had previously been unavailable within the community.
Today, Savanna Queens is home to Under-15, Under-19, and Open teams and continues to attract players from Savanna City and neighbouring areas. In 2025, the club reached an important milestone by affiliating with Sedibeng Netball under Netball South Africa, providing players with opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Beyond the court, the club is playing a significant role in community development. Members volunteer their time at a local primary school, helping to coach and develop young netball players. The programme has created a pathway for learners to progress into organised competition, with several already joining the club.
However, growth has not come without challenges. Players train on an open field due to the lack of a dedicated sports facility, while poor infrastructure and the absence of lighting make training difficult during winter. The club also faces transportation and funding challenges, limiting its ability to host matches and expand its programmes.
Despite these obstacles, Savanna Queens continues to produce impressive results. The Under-19 team claimed the Midvaal Netball First Leg League title in 2026 and achieved a top-four finish in a tournament featuring more established clubs. Several players have also earned district representation, showcasing the talent emerging from the club.
For Chairperson Pheladi Kola, the mission extends far beyond winning matches.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for young people and use sport as a tool for development,” she said.
Looking ahead, the club hopes to introduce Mini Netball programmes for younger children, increase participation levels, and secure a dedicated sporting facility that will allow even more young people to benefit from its programmes.
As Savanna Queens continues to grow, it stands as a powerful example of how community-driven sport can create opportunities, nurture talent, and inspire the next generation. You can follow them on their tiktok page https://www.tiktok.com/@savanna.queens?_r=1&_t=ZS-972ILro97Um and facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1DsJoBNGkJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
