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GEORGE NEWS - According to the dictionary, a diva is a self-important person who is temperamental and difficult to please.
But for the George-based Divas Netball Club, the name carries a far more inspiring meaning. It literally stands for dedication, integrity, victory, attitude and sportsmanship, values that continue to define this powerhouse team.
Formed in 2017 with just 18 players, the Divas have grown into one of the Eden Netball Federation's (ENF) most successful clubs.
Over the years they've claimed multiple league titles, including the ENF A, B, and C divisions in 2018, and in 2023 they struck gold in the Western Cape Twizza League.
Several players have been selected for the Eden District team, while standout player Kayla Burger joined the Cape Town-based professional side, the Tornados, in the Telkom Netball SA League.
Head coach Yolandie Spocter credits their success to teamwork, discipline and the values behind the Divas name. Plus she admits: "Perhaps a little luck or the bounce of the ball."
With so much talent in their ranks, the management split the A team into two squads in 2023 - A1, made up of younger, more agile players, and A2, comprising experienced veterans.
"It's wonderful to see the veterans guiding the younger players while the younger ones push the veterans' limits," says Spocter.
This year, both Divas A1 and A2 advanced to the 2025 ENF A League finals after defeating archrivals the Blues from Riversdale and the Evergreens from George.
"The finals were almost a formality," says A2 coach Zonja van Niekerk.
Ultimately, the Divas A1 claimed the ENF crown, reaffirming the club's dominance. The Divas now look ahead to the 2026 season - and invite new players of all ages and skill levels to join the family.
A group photo of the two finalists of the 2025 Eden Netball Federation A League, the Divas A1 and A2, with their coaches and supporters.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
