The Telkom Netball League (TNL) delivered another electrifying day of action, showcasing top-tier netball as teams battled fiercely for crucial points. Veteran teams demonstrated their prowess, emerging talents shone brightly, and the revamped Lillies team celebrated a memorable campaign launch.
The Fireballs extended their winning streak with a commanding 63-42 victory over the Stings, dominating from the outset and capitalizing on Stings’ errors. Their clinical attack and stifling defence disrupted the Stings’ rhythm throughout. Tarle Mathe was instrumental in the win, earning yet another Player of the Match award for her outstanding skill and performance on court.
The Lillies, under new head coach Tshimangadzo Munyai, marked a new era with a convincing 38-36 victory over the Diamonds. With nine new players added to their squad this season, the team displayed excellent unity, tactical discipline, and energy.
Coach Munyai’s influence was evident, with the Lillies executing a fast, fluid style of netball that overwhelmed the Diamonds. This opening win is a significant boost for the Lillies’ confidence as they look to build momentum in the days ahead.
Other notable performances included Zambezi’s 56-48 win over Baobabs, South Africa’s U21 team’s impressive 54-47 victory over Aloes, and the Crinums’ dominant 59-37 win over Jaguars.
In the final match of the day, the Crinums put their foot on the pedal and were firmly in control against Jaguars, leading 46-25 by the end of the third quarter. Displaying a superior structure and finishing, outplaying the Jaguars in all areas of the court. The Gauteng side continue their search for a first win of the campaign, having shown glimpses of potential but struggling to maintain consistency across four quarters. The clash ended with the Crinums securing a 59-37 win.
Jaguars coach Rozanne Matthyse reflected on her team’s performance:
“Yeah, it’s about the game. It was a difficult game for us. We were confident coming into this game, but sometimes you learn more from losing than winning. I’m confident in my team; we know how to bounce back. We’ve been in tough situations before, like in 2023 when we came back strong after losing crucial games. We still have work to do; we’re not at our best, making silly mistakes and not playing solid netball. We need to take accountability, capitalize on opportunities, and improve our performance,” elaborated Matthyse.
Crinums coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm expressed her pride and excitement after the win.
“I’m so proud of my team. We played consistently and stuck to our game plan. Being defending champions is a privilege, not a pressure. Every team wants to be the best against us, and that’s exciting,” said Mosoahle-Samm.
The Telkom Netball League’s official opening ceremony took place at 4pm at the Sun City Super Bowl and it was attended by esteemed dignitaries including MEC for COGHSTA Saliva Molapisi, MEC for Treasury Kenetswe Mosenogi, MEC for Education Viola Motsumi, Kgosi Monnakgotla of the Bakung Ba Ratheo royal family, Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Susan Nthangeni, MMC for Sport Cllr Ofentse Molusi, Acting Municipal Manager Beauty Makganye, President of North West Sport Confederation Thebe Sekoto, and Telkom Public Relations Senior Specialist Kgomotso Zimase. Their presence highlighted the strong support and commitment behind the league’s continued success.
As the TNL continues to thrill fans with high intensity matches and exceptional talent, the excitement is set to build further in the days ahead.
The Department of Education’s support has been fantastic, with 1,000 learners being bused in daily from across the province to enjoy the Telkom Netball League.
Matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 channel 209. Tickets are available on the Netball South Africa (NSA) website here at just R100. Full Fixture can be accessed TNL Fixtures
Full Day Results:
Lillies 38-36 Diamond
Zambezi Eagles 56-48 Baobabs
KD Queens 59-47 Sonoblomo
Sunbirds 38-45 Tornados
SPAR Baby Proteas 54-47 Aloes
Fireballs 63-42 Stings
Comets 31-48 KD Stars
Crinums 59-38 Jaguars
Tuesday 29 April 2025 Fixtures:
07:00 Comets vs Lillies
07:00 KD Stars vs Sonoblomo
09:00 Jaguars vs SPAR Baby Proteas
11:00 Sunbirds vs Tshukudu
13:00 Stings vs Flames
15:00 KD Queens vs Comets
17:00 Aloes vs Crinums
17:00 SPAR Baby Proteas vs Baobabs
19:00 Jaguars vs Zambezi Eagles
19:00 Lillies vs Tornados
