CAPE TOWN: Dewald van Niekerk arrives at the Growthpoint SA Senior Nationals with history in his sights and a target painted firmly on his back.
The SA Country Districts ace will chase a sixth consecutive national title when South Africa’s leading senior squash players converge on the all-glass court at Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront, from August 20 to 22.
Van Niekerk has not tasted defeat at the Nationals since Rodney Durbach beat him in Pretoria in 2020. He claimed his maiden crown the following year before turning the championship into his personal glass-court kingdom.
Last year, he eclipsed Steve Coppinger’s record of four successive titles, set from 2010 to 2013. Now the champion returns with another mountain to climb, with Damian and Luhann Groenewald seeded second and third.
Damian has already shown he has the ammunition to rattle the reigning king, pushing Van Niekerk to five games at July’s Growthpoint Jarvis-Kaplan interprovincial tournament. He opens against fellow Northerns player Judah Phillips.
Luhann, one of the country’s brightest young prospects, faces 2019 champion JP Brits in a potentially spicy first-round duel. Fourth seed John Anderson meets Eastern Province’s emerging Dean Venter.
The women’s draw has a fresh feel following the absence of defending champion and six-time winner Alex Commins.
Eastern Province’s Hayley Ward inherits the top seeding after finishing runner-up for the past two years. She opens against Western Province’s Kim McDonald, with Northerns second seed Helena Hudson facing Keschia Schlebusch.
Third seed Lizelle Muller, the 2021 champion and Van Niekerk’s sister, tackles Lara Patrick, while fourth seed Alexa Pienaar faces former champion Milnay Louw in a first-round encounter carrying plenty of bite.
The ball will fly, the rallies will stretch and the pressure will squeeze every ounce of composure from the contenders.
Estienne de Klerk, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties, said: “The Growthpoint SA Senior National Squash Championships brings together the very best of South African squash, from established champions to the next generation, showcasing the depth of talent in South African in this sport.
“Growthpoint is proud to provide Space to Thrive by supporting a championship that gives these athletes a national stage on which to compete at their best.”
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said: “The City of Cape Town is proud to continue its support for the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals in 2026.
“It has been both a privilege and a point of pride for the City to serve not only as the host city, but as a valued partner in delivering one of the premier events on the national squash calendar.
“The championships have become an important platform for raising the profile of squash while creating opportunities to develop the country’s most talented athletes.”
V&A Waterfront head of public relations Donald Kau said: “The Growthpoint SA Nationals tournament continues to bring incredible energy to our neighbourhood while showcasing the V&A Waterfront as a destination for world-class experiences.
“Sport has a unique way of bringing people together, and this event creates an opportunity for visitors, families and squash enthusiasts to enjoy the excitement of top-level competition in an open and welcoming environment.
“We are excited to host the tournament again this year, not only to celebrate sporting excellence but also to invite people to connect, engage and experience all that our neighbourhood has to offer.”
The Growthpoint Junior Nationals U15 championships will run concurrently, adding another layer to a tournament where South Africa’s established stars and emerging aces share the same stage.
Every serve will be a statement. Every rally, a reckoning.
