As the Free State Sonoblomo prepare to bring the heat in Power Week 3 of the 2025 Telkom Netball League, Head Coach Marie de Wet and Assistant Coach Ina Motaung reflect on their team’s growth, resilience, and ambitions. Here’s what they had to share:
1. What has been the biggest area of growth for your team since the opening whistle of Power Week 1?
Marie de Wet: The biggest area of growth for our team has been our ability to adapt under pressure and play with greater consistency. We have seen a noticeable improvement in our on-court communication, decision-making during critical moments, and maintaining intensity throughout all four quarters. The players have also taken ownership of their roles, which has strengthened our overall performance.
Ina Motaung: The intensity and fitness level has improved from Power Week 1. The concentration level is also very high.
2. How are you approaching preparation for this final stretch — physically, mentally, and tactically?
Marie de Wet: We are approaching this final stretch with clear intent and renewed focus. Physically, we have fine-tuned our conditioning to ensure players are fresh, explosive, and match-fit for every game. Mentally, we are building confidence through unity and every player must remember their role and the power of belief. Tactically, we will work on sharpening our structures, strengthening our connections on court with different combinations and try to play smarter netball by reading the game.
Ina Motaung: Physically, the girls are getting there. The mentality or mindset has improved and they just have to learn to adjust their game tactically since this is the last stretch.
3. Are there any standout players who’ve surprised or impressed you this season?
Marie de Wet: No, I think I can say the team as a whole has improved so much! I’m very proud of them.
Ina Motaung: Mienkie Delport (GS) has certainly carried the team from Power Week 1 and Charne van Vuuren (C/WA) has chipped in with a few good performances as well.
4. What will it take for your team to finish strong in Durban?
Marie de Wet: It will take total commitment from every player, physically, mentally and emotionally. We will need to trust our preparation, stay connected as a team and play with heart in every moment. It is all about the hunger to end on a high and still enjoy the ride.
Ina Motaung: We lacked height in both circles from Power Week 1 and that will come in handy especially in the last games. Using our own centre passes accurately as well as capitalising on turnovers.
5. How have you seen your team culture evolve over the course of this year’s TNL?
Marie de Wet: We have seen real growth in our team culture. There has been a noticeable shift towards greater accountability, unity and resilience. The players have become more connected, not just on the court but off the court as well, supporting each other, owning their roles and pushing for higher standards. We developed a culture that values hard work, open communication and pride in representing the Sonoblomo.
Ina Motaung: We finally imposed the style of play we wanted and there is a better understanding between players as to how we want them to play.
6. Looking at the current standings, which upcoming fixture are you most focused on — and why?
Marie de Wet: We will definitely focus on winning the Lilies, Comets and Queens. We have played so well in the second leg, losing by only 7 points to Kingdom Stars, and again by 7 to Tshukudu, and we beat the Diamonds (to whom we lost by 4 in the first leg) by 32 points in the second leg! That was amazing!
Ina Motaung: Tshukudu and Tornadoes are the teams to beat. They are giving us a hard time, especially in the circles as we lack the height they have.
7. How do you help your players stay grounded and focused amidst the pressure of must-win matches?
Marie de Wet: We must focus on controlling the controllables. We will have to stick to our structures, executing the basics well and playing with a purpose. We also have to remember who we are, why we are here and what we are capable of. Pressure becomes fuel when players feel confident and connected.
Ina Motaung: We remind them to always stick to the basics and not adopt fancy styles. Always play according to instructions and remain focused.
8. Have there been any key lessons or turning points this season that have reshaped your team’s outlook?
Marie de Wet: Yes absolutely. One of the key turning points this season was realising that talent alone isn’t enough — it is the commitment to doing the hard things consistently that sets teams apart.
Ina Motaung: To always play to your strengths. Learn to defend from the centre third. Also to learn to read opponents from the first quarter in order to act decisively.
9. What role have your senior players or leadership group played in keeping the squad motivated?
Marie de Wet: Their presence in key moments has grounded the group and they have kept the energy focused and positive.
Ina Motaung: They brought the team together and made sure that there is harmony in the group. They introduced team-building exercises and made sure everyone took part.
10. Lastly, what message would you like to share with your fans and supporters heading into this decisive Power Week?
Marie de Wet: This week we will play with heart, pride and everything we have got – not just for ourselves, but for everyone who has backed the Sonoblomo. Keep cheering, keep believing – we are not done yet!
Ina Motaung:We thank them for their support throughout the 2025 season. Please keep supporting and believing in us. We promise to give it our all going forward.
Catch the last Power Week from 14-20 July 2025 at the Durban ICC. Tickets now available online only here.
