As Power Week 3 of the 2025 Telkom Netball League approaches, we sat down with Jaguars Head Coach Rozanne Matthyse to talk about her team’s progress, preparation, and passion. From navigating injuries to rebuilding line-ups, Matthyse shares the journey behind the Jaguars’ hunt for another strong finish.
1. What has been the biggest area of growth for your team since the opening whistle of Power Week 1?
The fact that we used every match as a building block to make sure that we do better in all areas of the game.
2. How are you approaching preparation for this final stretch — physically, mentally, and tactically?
I think most of the work should be done by now, and I am fine-tuning specific areas of concern. With USSA and TNC coming up, our preparation looks a bit different where some of the players are going into a tournament and the rest are preparing for the final stretch, but our focus and goal are still the same — to take each session to work on one aspect and to make sure that we see improvement in every session. Mentally, the girls are determined to get the job done and make sure we stay focused on us as a team and our process. We are in a good space.
3. Are there any standout players who’ve surprised or impressed you this season?
I think our little Naledi impressed me a lot in the second leg, but for me it was a great team effort because we lost three players from our travelling 12, so we basically started with brand new line-ups, and I think this team did very well to come back in the second leg with so much determination and the will to win.
4. What will it take for your team to finish strong in Durban?
Consistency and sticking to our strengths.
5. How have you seen your team culture evolve over the course of this year’s TNL?
We are a very traditional team and we want all our new caps to follow the same tradition and I think we succeeded in that. We set out the expectations very early in our season and I remind them of our culture in our training sessions because I believe that when they are in camp and with the Jags, it should be something that they practise and live by.
6. Looking at the current standings, which upcoming fixture are you most focused on — and why?
I think it is important for us to finish in the top four. Unfortunately, in this tournament, once you get to the semi-finals, it is anyone’s game, and your log standing doesn’t mean a lot. We are focused on our process, and that is to make sure we improve in every game, regardless of who we play against, and to make sure we get three wins in the bag before going into the next phase of the tournament.
7. How do you help your players stay grounded and focused amidst the pressure of must-win matches?
It is very important for me to make sure they are reminded about our goals that we set out for ourselves as a team and to remind them of our process, which does not involve any other team but we are focused on ourselves and our improvement. It has worked for us in the past and it is also the only thing that you can control in the tournament.
8. Have there been any key lessons or turning points this season that have reshaped your team’s outlook?
I think our injuries. It really shook my team because it was players that were really the core of our team — experienced players and a youngster just starting her career. We cried together, we prayed together, but we also decided that it won’t be an excuse but a motivation to do it for our fallen soldiers, as we call them.
9. What role have your senior players or leadership group played in keeping the squad motivated?
Our seniors and leadership play a huge role in our team, and they are the players who make sure that our culture and what the Jaguars stand for are preached. They walk the walk and set the example for our new caps.
10. Lastly, what message would you like to share with your fans and supporters heading into this decisive Power Week?
I think if you are a true Jaguars fan, you know that we are never down and out and we will always come back stronger. We thank you for your loyal support, and you are one of the reasons the Jaguars have been so successful. The players and management appreciate your supportive messages and the quick photo and hello after our matches. Please don’t stop — we will make you proud.
Catch the last Power Week from 14-20 July 2025 at the Durban ICC. Tickets now available online only here.
