SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - The Eden Male Netball Team etched their names into the history books after securing their first-ever medal at the Male National Netball Championships, held from 1 to 5 September at Hoy Park in Durban.

Competing in the Senior B3 division, the Eden side showed remarkable grit and talent, overcoming personal sacrifices to represent the district with pride. 

The squad was made up of players from across the Eden Male Netball division and guided by a dedicated management team: Vuyolwethu Vice (manager), Carlyne Hendricks (coach), Julie Jonkerman (technical advisor), and Lubabalo Kamva (timekeeper).

The playing group included Keano van Staden, Henno Beukes, Fanus Leo, Angelo Le Roux, Anwa Kettledas, Julvrin Laws, Kealan Williams, Bukho Matolengwe, Sergio Daniels, Inga Jijingubo, and Indiphile Madolo.

From the outset, Eden delivered dominant performances in the pool stages, winning four of their five matches:

• Eden vs Pixley 63-12 won
• Eden vs Ehlanzeni 49 - 28 won
• Eden vs Alfred Ntzo 58-24 won
• Eden vs Ekhuruleni 46-52 lost
• Eden vs O.R Tambo 60 - 31 won

Their only pool defeat came in a tightly contested clash against Ekurhuleni B.

In the semi-final, Eden came agonisingly close to reaching the final but were edged out 46–47 by Royal Bafokeng in what many hailed as one of the tournament’s standout clashes. 

Determined to redeem themselves, the team regrouped for the bronze medal playoff and delivered a commanding performance, overpowering Lejweleputswa 51–35 to claim a historic podium finish for the district.

Hendricks expressed immense pride in his players, sharing on social media: “Some doubted us and we proved them wrong. I’m immensely proud of every one of you guys. Thank you for a great week in Durban.”

The bronze medal marks a breakthrough achievement for the Eden Netball Federation, symbolising not just sporting success but also the growing prominence of male netball in the region.

Taking the game to new heights – literally! Bukho Matolengwe (GD) defends against an opposing team with Sergio Daniels (C) ready to pounce should the ball be deflected.