Latest news with #TelkomNetballLeague
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Unbeaten Fireballs scorch Stings to book titanic TNL final against the Crinums
Fireballs goalkeeper Cornelia Mupenda (second right) moves in quickly to snuff out the danger posed by Stings goal shooter Sian Moore in their TNL clash at the Durban ICC. The Fireballs beat the Stings 60-47 on Saturday to book their place in Sunday's final. Image: Netball South Africa The Golden Fireballs booked their place in the Telkom Netball League final at the Durban ICC with a dominant 60-47 win over the Western Cape Southern Stings on Friday afternoon. The only unbeaten team in the competition will face defending champions the Free State Crinums in a blockbuster final on Sunday afternoon. The Crinums edged the Gauteng Jaguars 57-52 in another thrilling, tight clash between last year's finalists. The Crinums led 30-24 at half-time but held on for the win in a tense final few minutes. The Stings ensured that the Fireballs did not have things all their own way in the first quarter of their semi-final. Goal shooters Tinita van Dyk of the fireballs and Sian Moore of the Stings traded early blows. Early push Stings centre Amber Coraizin was key in holding down the midcourt as they started at a great attacking tempo, with zippy entry passes. It didn't take long for Fireballs' star goal attack Owethu 'Sammy' Ngubane to ignite her team's offence and defence. A supershot from the Proteas star and another from Van Dyk ensured they went into the break 17-11 up. The duo were clinical in the shooting circle throughout the match, and Alexandra Meimaris was having a field day with her feeds into the circle. Star Jaguars wing attack Katlego Maseko (with ball in hand) was in fine form for her team but could not prevent a narrow loss against the Crinums in their hard-fought TNL semi-final on Friday night. Image: Netball South Africa Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Stings started to feel the pressure from the suffocating Fireballs defence with goalkeeper Cornelia Mupenda's influence growing as the match wore on. Wing defence Tarle Mathe was equally impressive in a defensive effort that relied on teamwork and a tireless work ethic, even when the match seemed well won. The difference between the two teams was also the Fireball's ability to capitalise on their turnover balls and circle entries. They were just more clinical than their rivals. The Stings fought hard to stay in the game, at 33-29 down at half-time. But the lead had blown out to 48-34 by the end of the third quarter as the Fireballs were relentless at both ends of the court. The finishing touch The crowd roared with delight when Nonsikelelo Mazibuko sank a long-range shot to put the seal on a commanding performance from the Gauteng team that seemed to have plenty support form the raucous crowd. 'We did really well. We wanted to fight for this and we're finally there. We're finally at the finish line. I think we fought for each other and we deserve this,' Ngubane said in her post-match interview. 'This means a lot for me, my netball journey and pushing through everything,' she said of her Player of the Match accolade, while struggling to hold back the tears. 🏅 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 | Division 1 - Semi-Final 1 🔥 Sammy was slick on attack and calm under pressure — she grabs her third POTM of the season! 👏💪#TNLFireballsStings #TelkomNL #TNL2025 #TelkomStandTall @TelkomZA — Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 18, 2025 For her coach, Dr Elsje Jordaan, the celebration was also tinged with relief after two near misses at the same stage in the past two seasons. Third time lucky 'Third time lucky for us,' the elated coach said afterwards. 'Previous two years we were top of the log and then we slipped, so happy for today.' Stings coach Dr Freda Kemp congratulated their rivals on a good performance, stressing the need to get their centre passes right in their play-off for the bronze medal on Saturday. The Durban crowd seemed to have energised home team the Kingdom Stars, as their drive to return to Division 1 gained momentum with a 53-45 win over North West Tshukudu in the semi-final. They will face the Tornadoes in Saturday's Division 2 final. The Tornadoes beat the Sunbirds 50-44 to book their spot in the final.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Jaguars fight back to beat Flames and boost Telkom Netball League semi-final hopes
Flames wing attack Tlotlang Mokomela (left) tries to pick out a player while the Jaguars players shut down the passing lanes in Tuesday's crunch TNL Power Week 3 match at the Durban ICC. Picture: NSA Image: Netball South Africa LAST year's losing finalists, the Gauteng Jaguars, secured a crucial 63-51 victory over the North West Flames in Power Week 3 of the Telkom Netball League at the Durban ICC on Tuesday afternoon, as the battle for the semi-final places heated up. The record six-times winners, who are coached by Rozanne Mathysse, came into the final week of SA's premier netball competition in fourth place, with the Flames one position above them. The win cemented their push for a play-off place but dented the chances of Elsunet du Plessis' charges, who face a battle for the final play-off spot with the Southern Stings. The Flames had the hotter start in a cagey first quarter where star Jaguars goal attack Kamogelo Maseko struggled to get going. Her usually telepathic link with goal shooter Ine-Mari Venter just wasn't there as the Flames closed out the quarter with a 14-12 lead. The Jaguars were a different team at the beginning of the second stanza as they finally found their rhythm. They scored seven unanswered points as they sped up play noticeably, while goalkeeper Bodenstein was increasingly influential on the defensive end. Jaguars wing defence Caroline Paul is ready to launch another attack against the Flames in Monday's match at the Durban ICC that the Jaguars won 63-51. Image: Netball South Africa Ominously for the Flames, Maseko found her range, and the partnership with Venter burst to life. They also shared the goalscoring burden. Bodenstein was enjoying the better of her battle against Flames goal shooter Zandre Smit, who had a dominant first half in the attacking circle. The Flames, however, refused to go away and trailed the Jaguars 30-27 at halftime. There was another scoring burst by the Jaguars that resulted in a six-point lead (39-33). Defensively, it was the Jamie van Wyk show. The Jaguars skipper seemed to have telescopic arms and springs in her heels, popping up everywhere at wing defence to intercept the Flames' passes and disrupt their general play. She was named Player of the Match. Even after Jaguars player Caroline Paul was sin-binned in the final quarter, they refused to let go of their grip on the match. Their accuracy in front of goal also proved a major difference. Coach Mathysse praised her players' character in recovering from a sluggish start to take the win, but pointed out areas for improvement. 🔥 On fire until the final whistle! Jaguars claw their way to a 12-goal win after a powerful second-half display. 😬 Q1 🔥14-12🐾 Q2 🔥27-30🐾 Q3 🔥39-48🐾 Q4 🔥51-63🐾#TNLFlamesJaguars #TelkomNL #TNL2025 #TelkomStandTall @TelkomZA — Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 15, 2025 'I think that first quarter we have to start a lot better and we have to play for 15 minutes. I felt we were brilliant in two five-minute spells but we let it go, to then pick up again. So that's something I would want to work on,' she said in her post-match interview. Next up for the Jaguars is a repeat of last year's final against defending champions the Crinums, who are currently in second place. The unbeaten Fireballs top the log. Flames coach Du Plessis urged her players to refocus after the blow to their semi-final chances. 'I think we really played a good first half, and everything kind of worked for us although I felt like in the midcourt we were a little flat but defensively we really did well,' she said. 'But you need to play consistently for 60 minutes to win games, and to also make sure you score. In these types of game you can't miss goals.' She admitted that they were in for a tough battle against the Stings, who drew level with the Flames on 11 points after a 76-44 win over the Baobabs.
IOL News
28-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Golden Fireballs wary of late wobble despite perfect Telkom Netball League run
Owethu Ngubane of the Fireballs tries to get a shot off while Jamie van Wyk of the Jaguars tries to make the block during a tense Gauteng derby in TNL Power Week 2. The Fireballs are unbeaten so far in the country's premier netball competition. Image: Netball South Africa The Golden Fireballs have scorched through the first two rounds of the Telkom Netball League unbeaten, but know that they can't go off the boil in Power Week 3 if they are to win the title. The Joburg side, who have won all nine matches so far at Sun City in North West, were in a similarly strong position in the past two seasons of the country's premier netball competition. Under the mentorship of former Proteas and SA Under-21s coach Dr Elsje Jordaan, assisted by former Proteas skipper Bongi Msomi, they hope to finally add to their 2022 title. 'This is my fourth year with the Fireballs. We won it in 2022 when I just took over and they were actually a struggling team,' Jordaan told Independent Media Sport. 'In 2022 and 2023 we ended third. We lost in our semifinals by one and two goals respectively, so we just fell short. But actually we had a great run in 2022 and 2023 and ended top of the log, then just fell short in the semi-final, which was heartbreaking.' This year, the Fireballs have a perfect record of nine wins in nine games in Division 1 from the first two power weeks at Sun City, North West. They top the log with 18 points, four ahead of defending champions the Crinums, heading into Power Week 3 at the Durban ICC from July 14. 'Obviously you never go out and say it's going to be a perfect run but for now, having eight or nine wins for us is just massive and we're very excited about that,' Jordaan said. 'It's the first time in the history of the Fireballs that we managed to beat the Jaguars and the Crinums twice in a row, so it's big for us.' The Free State Crinums and Gauteng Jaguars boast the most TNL titles between them and are among the perennial favourites to lift the trophy. 'I though there were a couple of teams that actually pushed us quite hard. The first power week was extremely tough – we had to play eight games in seven days,' Jordaan admitted. 'And then when we came up against the Flames and the Aloes, they made us dig really deep. So we're looking forwards to playing them again in the third power week and seeing the growth in our systems.' The veteran coach credits their strong campaign so far to a blend of exciting young stars and senior players who have stepped up at key moments. 'Owethu 'Sammy' Ngubane, our captain Tanita van Dyk, who can play on both sides of the circle, attack or defence, have definitely put up their hands,' she said. 'I think Cornelia Mupenda has been great for us. She also won four Player-of-the-Match awards. Tarle Mathe is our engine in the middle. These senior players are leading by example at the moment.' Jordaan also praised the value of team unity off the court for the side based at Wits University. On the court the Fireballs play an adaptable, fast-paced game. The Golden Fireballs boast a blend of exciting young payers and veterans who have all stepped up in their unbeaten TNL 2025 campaign so far. Image: Netball South Africa 'In our circles we can easily play a holding circle or a moving circle. Then we're very versatile at the back,' she said. 'We've got great players, we've got height, we've got speed so that we can counter other teams' style of play. 'But the way the players are coming together, the belief in one another, the trust, that is just massive to watch. And then how they execute the game plan is really important.' The Fireballs mentor is all too aware that a loss of focus or intensity in the final stage could still see them end the season empty-handed. She will be keen to keep her charges grounded heading to Durban. 'For us there's still three pool games, and it's important that we keep the winning momentum,' she said. 'Often they say losing is a culture, but winning is also a culture. You need to know how to win, you need to know how to close games, and that's what we're going to try keep doing.' The Fireballs' title charge has been boosted by a clean bill of health. TNL Power Week 3 runs from July 14 to 20 at the Durban ICC.
The South African
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Rassie Erasmus shares pride in netball star daughter
Carli Erasmus – the daughter of Springbok coach Rassie – has been making a big impact on the netball scene for some time, having worked her way through the Western Cape provincial ranks. Now participating in the new season of the Telkom Netball League, Carli has been playing for the Western Province Tornados in Division 2, and the 20-year-old continues to impress with her genetic sporting talent. This past weekend, Rassie watched on from the stands in support of his daughter, and highlighted how he was once again such a proud father. 'I just love the fact that this is a team sport and she's got teammates,' Rassie commented. 'It's the understanding of how to play in a team. 'Although I don't know all the rules that well, it's just exciting to watch. She is also a coach (at Stellenberg High School), and I'm very proud of her.' Rassie has become one of the most popular Springbok coaches of all time, and last in an interview with YOU magazine , his twin daughters Carli and Nikki admitted it was something special to see what he has achieved. 'He's truly a hero – there are even people who think he should be president,' Carli commented, while Nikki added: 'I'm not going to lie – we're very proud of him. He's really achieved something no one else could. 'He's always been a bit of a joker, I think he's good at reminding people he's just human. He can be funny and make mistakes.' Meanwhile, Nikki is currently dating Stormers and Springbok forward Andre-Hugo Venter, which also received the firm approval of her twin sister. 'The great thing about the two of them is they're really good to other people,' Carli stated. 'They genuinely want everyone to feel included in everything.' WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS WHOLESOME STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
07-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Carli Erasmus follows in father Rassie's footsteps: ‘She's also a coach and I'm very proud'
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was seen supporting his daughter, Carli, at the Telkom Netball League in Sun City. Carli, 20, expressed her excitement in having her father's support, noting his efforts to learn the rules of netball. Erasmus shared his pride in Carli's sporting and coaching endeavours. For more, visit News24's sport page. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was seen supporting his daughter Carli at this past weekend's Telkom Netball League (TNL) in Sun City. The opening week of the Telkom Netball League ended on Sunday at the Sun City Super Bowl, with the second leg set to resume on 13-17 June and the final week from 14-20 July. The 12th edition of the TNL, netball's flagship domestic tournament, features 16 teams from all nine provinces, divided into two divisions with a promotion and relegation system. READ | Netball SA hits back after parliamentary grilling, comments on president's suspension Erasmus' 20-year-old daughter, Carli, has been making waves on court after recently captaining the Buub Babes - a regional team in the local league - in the Winelands 10s netball series. Carli, a solid goal-keeper and goal defence player, currently represents the Western Cape Tornados in Division 2 of the TNL. The Western Cape Tornados have had a strong start to their season so far, winning six of the eight games. On Saturday, the Tornados closed their opening week with a hard-fought 49-36 win against the Eastern Cape Comets in Sun City. 📈 𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 - 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟏 #TNLisBack #TelkomNL #TNL2025 #TelkomStandTall @TelkomZA — Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) May 4, 2025 Last week, the Tornados had a special spectator in the stands as two-time World Cup-winning coach Erasmus came out to support his daughter in Sun City. Carli was delighted to have the support of her father, who is seen as a national treasure in South African rugby, and she hopes the Tornados can secure promotion this season. 'It's very exciting, it's nice to have him here to support me. He doesn't really know netball so I think he's trying to understand the rules and trying to learn the game,' said Carli in a video post by Netball South Africa. The Western Cape Tornados are aiming for promotion to Division 1 as they currently sit second on the Division 2 log, trailing North West Tshukudu by two points. 'We'd love to play ourselves up to the first division, which is our goal. So we're going to work hard, we only have two losses this first leg,' said Carli. 'In the second and third leg, we'll push hard to get there, prioritising what matters the most, do what I enjoy and sort out where we need to be as a team.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netball South Africa (@netballsa) Erasmus, who is also SA Rugby's director of rugby, could not help but beam with pride at his daughter's pursuit of a career in sports and coaching. Outside of her playing career, Carli is one of Stellenberg High School's netball coaches alongside twin sister, Nikki. The 52-year-old coach admitted that although he doesn't understand all the rules of netball, he is proud of his daughter and appreciates the focused expertise in netball, distinct from rugby. 'No, I just love the fact that this is a team sport and she's got team-mates. It's the understanding of how to play in a team,' said Erasmus. 'It was a very exciting game. I was on my nerves right from the beginning until the end. Although I don't know all the rules that well, it's just exciting to watch. I'm very proud of her. 'She is also a coach and I'm very proud of her... They've realised that you can't bring a lot of rugby stuff into netball. They know their game, they've been playing it for so many years and enjoy it.' The Springboks open their 2025 season with a friendly match against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June. Erasmus' charges will then host two Tests against Italy (5 and 12 July) and one against Georgia (19 July) before the start of the Rugby Championship in August.
