Golden Fireballs finally ignite in Telkom Netball League triumph

IOL News

3 days ago

The Golden Fireballs celebrate after being crowned 2025 TNL champions with their victory over the Crinums atv the Durban ICC on Sunday afternoon.
Image: Netball South Africa
Golden Fireballs coach Dr Elsje Jordaan was thrilled to finally get the monkey off their backs with a thrilling victory over the Free State Crinums in Sunday's Telkom Netball League final at the Durban ICC.
The Gauteng side ensured the perfect end to a flawless season, having won every game en route to the grand finale, clinching a hard-fought 47-40 win over the defending champions. The result also offered redemption after falling at the semi-final stage in the past two seasons.
'We're very happy. We worked very hard for this, and to see how the players chipped in — and the management — it's a great reward after a season of really hard work. So we're really just grateful, thankful and proud,' Jordaan told Independent Media Sport after their titanic battle.
Cornelia Mupenda of the Fireballs wins one of her countless aerial duels against the Crinums in Sunday's intense TNL final at the Durban ICC.
Image: Netball South Africa
The veteran former Proteas coach placed her trust in a solid core of players, rarely making changes until late in matches — and the likes of Proteas goal attack Owethu 'Sammy' Ngubane repaid that faith.
'I thought we did really well in the way we managed our squad. All 12 players contributed. We knew, when it came close to the end of the competition, we'd need experience, and we backed our experience,' Jordaan said.
'You could see the nervous start. Our attack is really young and the nerves got to them, but once they found their rhythm, they did really well.'
Centre Refiloe Nketsa dictated matters for the Crinums from midcourt, her pinpoint feeds troubling the Fireballs in the first quarter. Ngubane initially struggled to impose herself but gradually grew into the game.
Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm's Crinums raised their defensive intensity, pulling five goals clear (11-6) with three minutes to go in the opening quarter. But the Fireballs clawed their way back with a super shot from Ngubane and clinical finishing by goal shooter Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, trailing 13-11 at the break.
The Gauteng side tightened up their defence in a seesaw second quarter where neither team gave an inch. Nketsa was sin-binned for excessive contact on goal defence Cornelia Mupenda just before half-time, with the scores level at 23-23.
It remained difficult to separate the sides, with the crowd's energy matching the ferocity on court. The Fireballs capitalised on their numerical advantage and quick transitions to edge ahead 27-24. Though the Crinums remained in touch, trailing 34-30, the momentum had shifted.
The decisive final 15 minutes saw both teams empty the tank. The Fireballs led by seven goals with under 10 minutes to play and held firm. Another Crinums player was sent off late on, effectively ending their hopes.
Fireballs wing defence Tarle Mathe was named Player of the Match for her sterling all-round contribution, and also walked away with the Division 1 tournament MVP award.
Coach Mosoahle-Samm conceded that the two player dismissals at crucial moments had affected her side but was gracious in defeat.
'We missed a couple of opportunities that we should have taken. But it's a final — a very high-pressure game — and I'm so proud of the troops when you look at where we're coming from and where we are now. It's three consecutive finals; no team does that easily,' she said.
'Two sendings-off in a high-pressure game like this — that was a bit unfortunate. But it is what it is. We have to take the loss, so congratulations to the Fireballs.'
Meanwhile, the KZN Kingdom Stars secured their return to Division 1 with a commanding 60-42 demolition of the Limpopo Baobabs in Sunday's earlier play-off — spurred on by the passionate singing and dancing of jubilant home fans who created a fantastic atmosphere at the iconic venue.