Details of the inaugural Netball Diamond challenge have been confirmed and it promises to be the complete mix of amazing sport and entertainment.

The Netball Diamond Challenge will see South Africa, Malawi, Botswana and Zambia competing in a round robin tournament at the Heartfelt  Arena in Pretoria from 15 – 18 August 2012.

The objective of the tournament is to celebrate the role of women in sport and in particular elevate the profile of Netball in South Africa as we celebrate women’s month.

“We are very excited about the Netball Diamond Challenge, and our plan is to grow it into the premier netball event on the African continent.  Netball remains one of the largest sporting codes in the country and it deserves to have a professional league and roar to a stature of the likes of soccer, rugby and cricket” said Minister Mbalula.

Concludes Mimi Mthethwa , Netball South Africa President; “ The plan is for the Netball Diamond Challenge to become an annual event hosted by South Africa, with various invitational teams being invited. The event forms part of Netball South Africa’s Vision for the Spar Proteas that ensures we strive towards consistently being amongst the top three teams in the world, develop heroes amongst our youth and further grow the game at all levels and areas.”

Tournament and Entertainment schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 15 August

16h00: Curtainraiser – TUT Mixed team vs Eersterust Mixed team

17h00 – 18h00: Opening Ceremony with live entertainment (featuring Chomee)

18h15: Malawi vs Zambia

19h45: South Africa vs Botswana

Thursday 16 August

16h30: Curtainraiser – U19 SA Schools National Squad vs Gauteng North Invitational team

17h30: Live entertainment (featuring Andriette Norman)

18h00: Botswana vs Malawi

19h20: Live Entertainment (featuring KB Motsilanyane)

19h45: Zambia vs South Africa

Friday 17 August

16h30: Curtainraiser – Rosina Sedibane vs Hoerskool Waterkloof

17h30: Entertainment (featuring Andriette Norman)

18h00: Botswana vs Zambia

19h20: Entertainment (featuring the 999 dancers)

19h45: South Africa vs Malawi

Saturday 18 August

10h30: Celebrity netball match (featuring Ministers and celebrities)

11h30: Live entertainment (featuring Chomee)

12h00: Points position 3 vs Points position 4

13h40: Final

14h50: Closing ceremony (featuring Chomee)
 

Click here for a copy of the Match Programme