Day 2 of the Telkom Netball League (TNL) showcased an exciting Division 1 match between the Jaguars and the SPAR Baby Proteas (SA U21). The Jaguars delivered a standout performance, clinching a 59-38 victory. Although the match was tightly contested during the fourth quarter, the Jaguars maintained a consistent and effective strategy throughout, demonstrating significant improvement after a slow start in the first Power Week.
For the U21 team, individual players shone, particularly Karla Dames, who excelled in attack. The 17 intercepts made by the Jaguars’ defenders highlighted the need for a more cohesive team effort as they move forward in the competition.
Jaguars coach Rozanne Matthyse expressed pride in her team’s development, stating, “Our performance was solid, and we successfully improved the flow and energy throughout the game. There’s still room for refinement, but I’m thrilled with how seamlessly the new players have integrated into the squad.”
On the other hand, SPAR Baby Proteas coach Precious Mthembu acknowledged the strengths of their defence while emphasising the need to enhance team strategy. “We showed strong defensive capabilities, but we need to address the disconnection on the court. Improving shooting accuracy is crucial, and I believe that with continued support and teamwork, we can improve our performance.”
Mthembu is meticulously preparing and selecting her team for the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar this September. She plans to narrow her squad from 25 players to 18 by the end of this leg of the TNL.
Meanwhile, in a commendable display of support, the SA U21 team wore red armbands to raise awareness about ending period poverty, reflecting SPAR’s commitment to promoting the dignity of all South African women by 2030.
In an exhilarating Division 2 matchup, the host province team Tshukudu continued their strong performance by claiming a 64-57 victory against Sonoblomo. Anri Liebenberg stood out with an impressive performance, earning the Player of the Match award for her crucial contributions on court.
This win marks Tshukudu’s remarkable achievement of 10 victories out of their first 11 matches this season, with their only setback occurring in the first leg against KZN side, Kingdom Stars. Their resilience and competitive edge throughout the tournament solidify Tshukudu’s position as a formidable contender in the division.
The Fireballs secured an impressive 47-41 victory in a highly defensive matchup against the Crinums. Despite a determined comeback attempt by the Crinums in the fourth quarter, the Fireballs’ balanced offensive strategy and Coach Elsje Jordaan’s versatile playmaking proved to be the critical factors in their success. The Fireballs effectively shut down the Crinums’ shooters, limiting their scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Statistically, the Fireballs excelled in shooting attempts and accuracy, achieving an outstanding 85% success rate. Both teams maintained similar discipline levels, with no players sent off during the match.
Crinums coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm commented, “The Fireballs were the better team tonight, they were clinical and deserving of the win. I’m proud of our journey, and we’ll work on addressing our mistakes for the upcoming games. We faced a setback in the third quarter, but we will be better prepared in the next match.”
Jordaan added, “I’m proud of our performance today. We encountered some challenges, but starting with a two-point win is encouraging. The last-minute positional change was effective. Having a strong squad is a blessing, although it makes selection challenging. This competition continually pushes us to be our best.”
The day ended with a closely contested battle between the North West Flames and the Zambezi Eagles. In an electrifying game, the Eagles made an incredible comeback, overcoming a 10-goal deficit against the Flames. A strategic timeout called by the Eagles in the third quarter sparked their turnaround, significantly elevating their performance. Despite the Flames’ efforts to maintain their lead, they struggled to maintain their energy and close out the game. The Eagles’ determination and skill ultimately paid off, and they secured a thrilling 64-62 victory.
You can catch the action live on SuperSport Variety 4 channel 209 or check out the Netball South Africa website for fixtures and updates.
Tickets are available on the Netball South Africa (NSA) website at just R100.
Full Day Results:
Lillies 25-58 Sunbirds
SA U21 38-59 Jaguars
Baobabs 41-53 Aloes
Sonoblomo 57-64 Tshukudu
KD Stars 56-36 Diamonds
Fireballs 47-41 Crinums
Zambezi Eagles 64-62 Flames
Sunday 15 June 2025 Fixtures:
07:00 Crinums vs Aloes
09:00 Diamonds vs Sonoblomo
11:00 KD Queens vs Lillies
13:00 Baobabs vs Fireballs
15:00 Tornados vs Comets
17:00 Aloes vs Flames
19:00 Stings vs Jaguars
