18/09/2026
Ocean predators founder 💚 💙 🤍
Ultimate Sports News had a privilege to chat with the Chairman of Ocean Predators Netball , Joe Taylor KaMhlongo after his side were conformed Champions of Males A in the KZN Netball Super League recently.
1. On being Champs and approaching the Grand Finale
> Thank you. First, I want to give glory to the almighty, the higher being and thank our players, our technical team, our families, our fans and supporters and the whole KZN Netball community.
> Being crowned KZN Champions in 2026 is not an accident. It is a result of what we started in 2007. We have been building this house brick by brick. Last year we took Silver in both the KZN Superleague and the Grand Finale - that pain made us hungrier. This year, we came back to claim our spot for the 5th Gold achievement
We are not complacent, we understand that we have a lot ahead. The KZN Grand Finale and the Inaugural National Grand Finale.
> How do we approach the National Grand Finale in December 2026 where we will represent KZN? With respect, but without fear. We are not going to the National Grand Finale to participate, we are going to compete. Our preparation started at the beginning of 2026 and it's on ongoing. We will double our fitness, sharpen our combinations, and stay true to the Ocean Predators identity - fast, fearless, and disciplined netball.
> What I want from the Finale is simple: that my boys leave everything on court and make KZN proud. If we do our processes right, the result will take care of itself.
2. On National Representation and What It Means For The Club?
> This is what Ocean Predators is about - creating a pathway.
> This year alone, we have had three of our own called up for the Senior Men's National Final Trials - Vukile Zulu, Qiniso "Gomez" Gwala and Sbongakonke "Ray Ray" Vava. For a club from a township to have three names in that room, it shows we are doing something right.
> And from those trials, two have made the final 15 that will represent South Africa at the Africa Cup in Nairobi - Vukile Zulu and Ray Ray Vava. We are incredibly proud. Qiniso, you are still a national player in our eyes, your time is coming.
> When they go to national camp, they don't just go for themselves. They come back with international standards, with knowledge of structures, with mental toughness. They come back and they teach it to a 16-year-old who joined us in January like Yamkela Mvubu. That is how we sustain success.
*Our Accolades as Ocean Predators Netball Club in 2025/2026 Season:*
This has been our most decorated year to date:
- KZN Champions 2026 – Gold Medalists, KZN Men's Superleague – Qualified to represent KZN at the National Grand Finale in December 2026.
- Silver Medalists – KZN Superleague & KZN Grand Finale 2025
- Three players called to SA National Trials: Vukile Zulu, Qiniso Gomez Gwala, Sbongakonke Rayray Vava.
- Two players selected to Final 15 South African Team for Africa Cup – Nairobi:* Vukile Zulu & Ray Ray Vava
- Multiple players representing eThekwini at Provincial Legacy Games and National Championships – including Zusiphe Mpehle (since 2024) and Yamkela Mvubu (2026)
- Development: Successfully integrated 7 junior players from our development program into the senior first team.
- Community: Hosted 2 successful Mixed netball Tournament at Albert Park, our home ground, growing men's netball in eThekwini.
> We are not just a club anymore. We are a factory of talent. From DUT, to UKZN, to the Proteas - the Ocean Predators flag is flying.
> Thank you.
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