Fresh from being crowned Player of the Tournament in Division 1 of the 2025 Telkom Netball League, Gauteng Golden Fireballs star Tarle Mathe reflects on a season to remember. From lifting the trophy to overcoming injury, Tarle shares the lessons, moments, and motivations that shaped her journey — and what’s next for one of the league’s brightest talents.
Q&A with Tarle Mathe — Player of the Tournament Division 1, TNL 2025
1. What does it mean to you to be named one of the best players of TNL 2025?
Honestly, it’s incredibly humbling. To be recognised among the best in a league filled with so much talent is both surreal and affirming. It’s a reminder that all the early mornings, tough training sessions, and sacrifices were worth it.
2. Which moment from this season stands out as your favourite or most memorable?
Definitely the final whistle in the TNL championship match. That moment — the joy, the relief, the unity in that celebration — is something I’ll never forget. It captured everything we worked for.
3. How did you stay motivated and consistent throughout the season?
I focused on my “why” — my love for the game, my team, and the bigger purpose I play for. Having God on my side is the biggest motivation and staying disciplined, being mentally grounded helped me stay consistent. Daily habits, recovery, and support from coaches played a big role too.
4. What has this season taught you — on and off the court?
On the court, I learned the value of resilience and adaptability — no two games are the same. Off the court, I learned to trust the process, even when it doesn’t show immediate results. Growth often happens in silence.
5. Who or what inspired your performance this year?
My family, always. They’ve been my rock through everything. But also, my coach this season really pushed me beyond my limits — they saw something in me before I even did, and that belief carried me.
6. What advice would you give to young netballers hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t chase perfection — chase progress. Stay patient, stay consistent, and remember that your journey won’t look like anyone else’s. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
7. Challenging Moments: What was the most challenging part of the season for you, and how did you overcome it?
Recovering from a mid-season injury was tough. I had to mentally reset, trust my body, and work twice as hard to return stronger. But leaning on my physio team, my coach, and staying mentally sharp made the difference.
8. Team Dynamics: How important was teamwork in your success this season? Can you share a moment where teamwork made a significant difference?
Teamwork was everything. There was a key moment in a close semi-final where communication and trust between our defenders turned the game around — that synergy saved us. No individual can win a game alone.
9. Looking Back: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself at the start of the season, what would it be?
Believe in yourself earlier. You’re more ready than you think. Don’t wait for permission to shine — just go for it.
10. What’s next for you — any goals or dreams you’re chasing post-TNL 2025?
Focusing on Varsity Cup and looking forward to national duties.
