South Africa’s top squash players will compete for national honours when the Growthpoint SA Nationals take place at the V and A Waterfront in Cape Town from 20 to 22 August 2026.
The national championships follow qualifying events held across eight regions, producing a field that combines experienced champions with some of the country’s most exciting young players.
Top seeds include Hayley Ward in the women’s draw and Dewald van Niekerk in the men’s competition, both of whom secured convincing victories during the qualifying rounds.
Ward booked her place with a straight games win in Gqeberha, while five time national champion Van Niekerk dominated the North West qualifier in Potchefstroom.
The women’s field includes former national champions Milnay Louw and Lizelle Muller, alongside rising contenders Helena Hudson and Teagan Russell.
In the men’s draw, Van Niekerk faces strong competition from Damian Groenewald, Ruan Olivier, Luhann Groenewald and former national champion JP Brits.
One of the standout performances of the qualifiers came from Reuel Videler, who battled through a five game thriller in Bloemfontein to secure his place at the national championships.
With the country’s leading players now confirmed, the Growthpoint SA Nationals are set to showcase the depth of South African squash and provide a major stage for the next generation of talent to challenge for national glory in Cape Town.
