Gauteng Fireballs scorch through first week of Telkom Netball League unbeaten

IOL News

04-05-2025

Olwethu Ngubane of Fireballs shoots for goal as Martine Jordaan of the Flames defends during their Telkom Netball League clash at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The Golden Fireballs ended the first round of the Telkom Netball League (TNL) 2025 at the Sun City SuperBowl, as the only unbeaten team, topping the Division 1 log.
Defending champions the Free State Crinums are firmly in the frame. However, a shock 57-49 capitulation against invitation side the Zambezi Eagles yesterday put a damper on their title defence. The result does not count towards the log standings, though.
The Eagles flew out of the blocks to lead 21-5 at the end of the first quarter and 34-15 at half-time. The Crinums slowly clawed their way back into the game, however, pulling within 13 points at the end of the third quarter.
The deficit proved just too much to overcome for the Free State side in the end, as the Zimbabwean team kept their cool to secure the upset win. Crinums coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm admitted that her side had underestimated their rivals.
"We had a terrible start but I'm going to take good lessons out of this," she said in her post-match interview.
"After being 19 goals down and coming back and just losing by eight goals, I think the championship mentality is there. Thank God this one doesn't count.
"We took a dip and it happens in a very long leg like this. And well done to the Zambezi Eagles, they came very hard at us.
"We struggled a lot with their style of play. I think we adapted a little too late, so lesson learned. We learn more when we lose than when we win."
The Fireballs once again showcased exceptional composure and creativity in securing a 62-57 win over the North West Flames in their last match of the first round on Saturday.
They took an early lead in the first quarter and maintained that momentum.
Player of the Match Owethu 'Sammy' Ngubane scored four out of four Telkom Supershots, worth two points, for the Fireballs and Caitlin du Plessis scored three for the Flames.
Fireballs coach Dr Elsje Jordaan said: "Well done to the Flames, I thought they brought their A- game, and they really gave us a great match. These are the games that we need to prepare, and the fight that the players showed was tremendous."
"We put a plan in place (for the Supershots), and Sammy played it well. Giving confidence to shooters is key."
The Flames were able to bounce back from Saturday's defeat with a 58-56 win over the Aloes early on Sunday morning. The result consigned the Aloes to back-to-back losses.
They were mauled 57-47 by the Gauteng Jaguars on Saturday. The Aloes led 12-10 in the first quarter, but the Jaguars made a remarkable comeback.
Aloes coach Sameshia Esau said: "We had a good start, but the Jaguars came back strong in the second quarter.
"The third quarter was the turning point, and the Jaguars dominated the last quarter. Individually, our players performed well, but we need to work on consistency and goal-shooting percentages."
The Aloes are still searching for a first win of the competition. The Jaguars, last year's beaten finalists, have lost three of their six matches so far. However, they have only grown stronger as the competition has progressed.
Coach Rozanne Matthyse said after the win over the Aloes: "We worked on some things, and I'm happy that we got those things done.
"I knew we were going to win this game, and we pulled through. I'm happy with the performance and well done to the Aloes for giving us a good game, especially in the first three quarters."
The Jaguars' defensive effort was impressive, with nine intercepts. Jamie van Wyk was named Player of the Match. Power Week 2 takes place from June 13 to 17.
Southern Stings goalkeeper Entle Futshane goes airborne in an attempt to block a Crinums shot in their 53-39 loss against the reigning champions.
Image: Netball South Africa