After a dominant Africa Netball Cup 2025 showing, Shiko Mokaila is set to lead the men’s national team into an exciting new era, bringing fresh energy as they prepare for the SPAR Challenge against the Australian Kelpies.

 

South Africa (19 January 2026) – South African men’s netball is stepping into its next chapter, and it’s doing so with a familiar face at the helm.

Former national team captain Shiko Mokaila has been appointed Head Coach of the South African Men’s National Netball Team on a four-year contract, marking a significant moment for a programme that has steadily been building momentum.

His appointment comes at a time when men’s netball in South Africa is enjoying a strong upward curve. The national side closed out 2025 on a high after a dominant showing at the Africa Netball Cup in December, where South Africa once again underlined its growing depth. Shiko’s arrival is seen as a continuation of that progress, rather than a reset.

After a thorough hunt for the right coach, Netball South Africa has officially named Shiko Mokaila as the new man in charge. He takes over from Jabulani Vilane, who steered the team through a stellar Africa Netball Cup campaign in December, and he won’t be flying solo as Siyabonga Khuzwayo will be by his side as assistant coach.

Netball South Africa President, Mami Diale believes they have found the right person.

“Finding the right person to lead our men’s national team from a coaching perspective was not an easy task. However, we believe we have found the right person in Shiko. He is an all-rounder and has what it takes to move the team forward. He has been a player, a team captain, coached at both junior and senior level including National Male Championships, and has been heavily involved in administration, all of these roles have better prepared him for this moment.”

For Shiko, the appointment carries deep personal meaning. He retired from playing in 2023 after the Africa Netball Cup in Botswana, bringing a 15 year career to an end.

“I am extremely happy and, at the same time, deeply humbled. I am very passionate about men’s netball, and it is an honour to lead a team that has given me so much. I am committed to giving my all, to compete, to challenge for top honours, and to win.”

His first test in charge comes quickly. The South African Men’s National squad will assemble this week for trials, ahead of the announcement of a final 15-man squad later this month. The team will then face the Australian Kelpies in a three-match curtain-raiser series during the SPAR Challenge at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena.

South African men’s netball appears firmly focused on building consistency and belief as the countdown to the 2028 Men’s Netball World Cup continues.

Sources: Netball South Africa 
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