The Telkom Netball League’s (TNL) Power Week 1 concluded on a high note with electrifying matches at the Sun City Super Bowl. The talent and teamwork on display were impressive, with teams from both divisions demonstrating significant growth and a hunger for competition that promises an exciting season ahead.
The day’s action began with an encounter between the North West Flames and the Eastern Cape Aloes. The match was a nail-biter, with the Aloes taking an early 17-14 lead in the first quarter. However, the Flames staged a comeback, winning the second quarter 31-30 and the third quarter 45-43. The Flames continued to dominate, drawing 13-13 in the final quarter wasn’t enough for the Aloes, and the final score was 58-56 in favour of the Flames.
The Flames’ victory was marked by several key stats, including Sunel Smit’s dominant rebounding performance (14-4). Despite similar turnovers (20 apiece), the Flames’ ability to capitalise on goal attempts and maintain discipline proved decisive. The Aloes’ strong attack (109 circle feeds) showed their intent to dominate, but the Flames’ shooting percentage and strategic play ultimately paid off.
Coach Elsunet du Plessis of the North West Flames said, “I’m relieved we won the game. It was a tight match with many ups and downs. I’m happy with our team’s composure under pressure. Although some players were a bit flat, the team pulled together to secure the win.”
Coach Sameshia Esau of the Eastern Cape Aloes added, “Congratulations to the Flames on a great game of netball. While we didn’t get the result we wanted, I’m proud of my team’s progress. We’ve had limited practice time together, but we’ve made strides. I’m confident we’ll improve in the second leg.”
Aloes Wing Defence, Nomxolisi Luvuno’s impressive performance earned her Player of the Match honours.
The Tshukudu vs Comets match was an intense encounter. The Comets started strong in the first quarter, winning 11-6, but couldn’t maintain their lead. Tshukudu bounced back to dominate the remaining quarters: 23-19 in Q2, 34-29 in Q3, and closed out the match 48-41. Coach Vivian Foko’s tactical adjustments proved pivotal, enabling Tshukudu to seize and hold onto the lead.
Tshukudu’s defence effectively disrupted the Comets’ flow, hindering their ability to find a rhythm. Despite both teams being evenly matched in terms of goal percentages and stats, Tshukudu’s additional attempts proved decisive. The Super Shot feature had minimal impact, with both teams scoring only two points.
Coach Foko praised her team’s performance, saying, “It wasn’t easy, telling the truth, it was hard… But me calling the strategic time, I think it helps them just to tell them, just to calm down, girls, you’ve got it. You know your channels. Just use your channels. Stay calm, we’re going to have this, they did exactly what I asked them to do.”
Aloes Assistant Coach Xolelwa Wotsitsa expressed pride in her team’s growth, saying, “I feel happy the girls are growing every game. It’s their first time in this intense, high-performance competition, so I believe next time it’s going to be good. Our preparations focus on intense defence, shooting, and converting intercepts and centre passes.”
In the last Division 2 encounter, the Kingdom Queens pulled one against the Diamonds. They started strong, maintaining a high pace throughout the game. The Queens’ offence was led by goal shooter Thobekile Mjaja. The Queens’ defence, particularly the duo of Silindile Ngcobo and Senamile Mthembu, was outstanding. The inclusion of Nelisiwe Msweli added depth and accuracy to the team’s attack.
The statistics reflected the Queens’ dominance, with an impressive 83% goal conversion rate compared to the Diamonds’ 52%. The Diamonds struggled with turnovers, which hindered their chances of success.
In the last match of the day, the defending champions, the Crinums led by Coach Marth Mosoahle-Samms, suffered their second defeat, wrapping up the first leg on a low note. The Eagles dominated from the start, winning the first quarter 21-5, and maintained their lead throughout. Despite a strong comeback in the final quarters, the Crinums couldn’t overcome the damage done in the first quarter, ultimately losing 57-49.
Power Week 1 has concluded! Teams are now taking a well-deserved break to recharge for the next chapter of intense competition in the second leg.
Catch the next Power week on the 13-17 June 2025 at Sun City, Sun Park.
Full Day Results:
07:00 Flames 58-56 Aloes
09:00 Tshukudu 48-41 Comets
11:00 Diamonds 23-49 KD Queens
13:00 Crinums 49-57 Zambezi Eagles
