New champs this year?

As hosts of this year’s Salga KZN DSAC Games, uMgungundlovu is under pressure to dominate.Home-ground advantage is expected to draw strong local support, with the region tipped to shine in rugby, indigenous games (especially khokho), chess, basketball, netball, athletics and soccer. KwaZulu-Natal Chess Association president Lindokuhle “Gabadiya” Ngubane told The Witness on Wednesday that chess would be one of the fiercest battlegrounds. He said recent changes introduced by the provincial chess body could upend the usual order and open the door for new champions.

“Normally, eThekwini dominate and have won for years, but this year we might get a new winner. Chess will be exciting, unpredictable, and filled with new faces,” said Ngubane. ALSOREAD |Salga Tech Games aims to bring digital skills training to rural youth He said eThekwini, King Cetshwayo, Zululand and uMgungundlovu were all in the running, while both uThukela and the host side could spring surprises.

Rugby and netball are also quietly shaping up as strong codes, with local structures working behind the scenes. The uMgungundlovu netball fraternity has been praised for fielding two teams — one for the provincial games and one for the Spar National Netball Championships in Ekurhuleni. Head coach Noxolo Duma said her side were ready after weeks of solid preparation.

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She applauded the players, officials, managers and organisers for pulling together and said the hosts were aiming high. We are ready. Thanks to all involved for helping us put this team together.

As hosts, we’ll be one of the teams to watch — and our aim is to finish first. The uMgungundlovu netball squad includes Siphesihle Mkhize, Anele Mkhize, Yolanda Gabuza, Sphesihle Manzini, Sandiswa Shabane, Akhule Masondo, Saziso Mncwabe, Amanda Madlala, Ziyanda Khuzwayo, Alwande Bhengu and Nosipho Khomo. The management team comprises manager Thabisile Msomi, Duma as head coach, assistant coach Luvuyo Malinga and scorer Thulisile Mnikathi.

uMgungundlovu Sport Confederation chairperson Mhlengi Maxase urged visiting regions to bring their best. “We warmly welcome you — and may the best team win. Just remember, uMgungundlovu is the powerhouse of sport,” he said.

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