Matatiele Local Municipality is celebrating a strong showing of local netball talent as the new season of the Telkom Netball League gets underway, with key figures from the region stepping into prominent roles.
Eastern Cape-based side Comets will this season be coached by Matatiele’s own Prisca Kanetsi-Makamole of Matatiele Netball Club, a move that highlights the growing influence of local coaching development structures. Her appointment has been widely welcomed as a reflection of the strength and quality of leadership emerging from grassroots sport in the municipality.
Matatiele Netball Club, affectionately known as Matat NC, has built a reputation as one of the region’s dominant forces in community netball, having won the Mayoral Cup more than four times. The club’s sustained success has been credited to strong development programmes, consistent training structures, and a deep pool of emerging talent.
Adding to the municipality’s pride, former Mayoral Cup participant Princess Kanetsi will also feature in the upcoming season of the Telkom Netball League, representing Eastern Cape Aloes. Her progression from local competition to a provincial franchise has been highlighted as a clear example of how community-based tournaments can serve as a stepping stone to higher levels of the sport.
The Matatiele Mayoral Cup continues to be recognised as a vital platform for talent identification and development, providing young athletes with opportunities to showcase their skills and advance their sporting careers.
As the new season approaches, Matatiele’s growing footprint in national netball circles underscores the municipality’s ongoing commitment to sport development, youth empowerment, and building pathways for athletes to reach elite competition.
