As we head into the final stretch of the 2025 Telkom Netball League, we caught up with Magda du Plessis, Head Coach of Kingdom Queens, to reflect on the team’s growth, preparation, and motivation heading into Power Week 3. Here’s what she had to say:
1. What has been the biggest area of growth for your team since the opening whistle of Power Week 1?
Experience and to adapt to different game situations. To believe in themselves like I do and to take accountability for their own performance as well as the well-being of themselves.
2. How are you approaching preparation for this final stretch — physically, mentally, and tactically?
Physically
I’m doing Distant Coaching – working with players and their respective coaches over the distance to where they live. Got players committed to a consistent, structured and achievable training routine/schedule (that they set up) and then monitoring their training schedule daily with information and guidance.
Mentally
One-on-one coaching with players does help. Focus on emotional intelligence. Encourage positive self-talk and self-criticism (constructively examining your performance and mentally identifying areas for improvement while maintaining a foundation of self-compassion and acceptance). Recognise imperfections and potential weaknesses, but see them as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to feel inadequate.
Tactically
Reinforce the team’s overall game plan and tactics. Put game and opposition structures in place with proper drills. Increase awareness and confidence within themselves to execute instructions. Ensure good communication and encourage feedback.
3. Are there any standout players who’ve surprised or impressed you this season?
Amanda, our GS – she has grown from strength to strength – achieved a great 98% shooting accuracy against Sunbirds, our last game during the 2nd Leg. She withstood the most incredible physicality I’ve ever seen during a match.
Structure C – with her tenacity to reach her top level of fitness, and she has certainly showcased that.
Tanna, WA – A great goal assistant, with excellent vision and perseverance, determination, resilience and unwavering commitment to the team.
Sena, GK/GD – Is such a smart player and also captain of the team. She leads by example.
4. What will it take for your team to finish strong in Durban?
Kingdom Queens must adapt more to the umpiring, physicality and high intensity of TNL. They have to believe in themselves like I do. If only they could see themselves through my eyes, they will achieve great results.
5. How have you seen your team culture evolve over the course of this year’s TNL?
Yes, I’ve seen such a positive growth within themselves as well as within the team. It can be seen and measured by the stats and results.
6. Looking at the current standings, which upcoming fixture are you most focused on — and why?
We have to focus on all of them. Most of the teams that we are playing against in the 3rd leg are lying in the top 4 positions. There is a lot of hard work lying ahead of us, but we are ready for it and will take it game by game.
7. How do you help your players stay grounded and focused amidst the pressure of must-win matches?
Prepare them well and teach players to channel stress and anxiety to a positive mindset. Focus on what must be done. Encourage, affirm and measure accountability and responsibility as a team.
8. Have there been any key lessons or turning points this season that have reshaped your team’s outlook?
One learns more by losing than winning, and we have embraced our losses as opportunities for growth. Every game that we played and showed a growth throughout the 4 quarters has been uplifting. Our last game against Sunbirds has finally made the team realise what they are capable of, if they put their minds to it.
9. What role have your senior players or leadership group played in keeping the squad motivated?
They lead by example, and share their experience. They transfer their knowledge and demonstrate a positive behaviour within the team.
10. Lastly, what message would you like to share with your fans and supporters heading into this decisive Power Week?
Thank you for your support, we really appreciate it. Please keep supporting us because you help us perform at our best. Support is a major motivating factor, and we promise to keep on trying to make everybody proud of us until the final whistle goes.
Catch the last Power Week from 14-20 July 2025 at the Durban ICC. Tickets now available online only here.
