Latest news with #Fireballs
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Sammy Ngubane continues to rewrite netball history after Fireballs' TNL tile heroics
Olwethu Ngubane of the Fireballs shoots for goal as Martine Jordaan of the Flames defends during their Telkom Netball League clash. Ngubane was named TNL 2025 best shooter as the Fireballs went on to lift the trophy. Image: BackpagePix It has been a remarkable few months for Golden Fireballs, University of Johannesburg and Proteas goal attack Owethu 'Sammy' Ngubane. Fresh from helping guide UJ to a first USSA Netball Championships title in years, she was able to repeat the feat in the Telkom Netball League with the Fireballs. The latter triumph was achieved in remarkable fashion as the Fireballs won every match in a gruelling run of three power weeks that took them from Sun City in North West to Durban for finals week. Catching fire The weather on the KZN coast didn't always play ball, but the Fireballs ensured there would be no drop in temperature on the court. Near misses in the previous two seasons were relegated to distant memories as they buried defending champions the Free State Crinums with a stunning come-from-behind 47-40 victory at a rocking Durban ICC. The 21-year-old Sammy was central to that victory, masterminded by former Proteas coach Dr Elsje Jordaan, who was ably assisted by former Proteas and Fireballs skipper Bongi Msomi. 'First of all, it was so exciting to actually play a final this year because we had missed out in two years now – since 2022,' Ngubane told Independent Media Sport exclusively in the week after their famous win. 'We were so happy that we ended up getting what we wanted to get as a team and that our goals were ticked. 'It is kind of special, winning the title undefeated, but actually it's so much pressure on us to keep the standard going and not lose a match.' The Golden Fireballs celebrate after being crowned 2025 TNL champions with their victory over the Crinums at the Durban ICC on Sunday afternoon. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Shooting star The goal attack was a colossus, stepping up in the tense moments of Power Week 3 when her team needed her, driving them forward with key intercepts, feeds, link-up plays and goals … plenty of them. She was lethal with her shooting in the attacking circle, often hauling her team back in contests when they seemed to have hit a brick wall. It was no surprise when Ngubane was named best shooter of TNL 2025. 'Coach Elsje and coach Bongi played a huge role in my improvement for this year, playing a huge role by helping me adjust some of my skills on the court,' Sammy said. 'It wasn't good start to the year for me and coming into TNL my mindset changed and I wanted something that could boost my confidence. 'I think one the things that I have been working on myself is my shooting and I can see the improvement. From this TNL tournament, I can say I'm truly confident and ready for anything that comes my way.' Home is where heart is She was also able to feed off the crowd in the pulsating grande finale, who proved that they still have plenty of love for a former favourite daughter who made her name in KZN netball. 'I did represent KZN way back when I was young, in 2021, I think, when I was still in matric,' Sammy said. 'Obviously I made the big move to Joburg to study there and play for UJ, and also represent Gauteng. But there were a lot of things that were happening in the background in terms of do I still want to stay in KZN or do I want to change sides and go to Golden Fireballs. I think that was one of the biggest decisions that I have taken. 'But coming back home to play on home soil, it was truly a great thing to have our families see us play, but just truly letting them know that even if we changed provinces, our hearts are still at home.' Three-peat? With two titles already in the bag, Sammy is gearing up for more glory in the Varsity Cup with UJ, where she will once again team up with coach Msomi. She admits that their USSA performance, where they defied recent history of falling before the final hurdle for years, had only increased the size of the target on their backs. 'I think everyone will be gunning to play the final and get gold. I think it's huge pressure on us, obviously, after playing USSA and getting gold. Now going to Varsity Cup every one of us will have a target on our backs. 'But we are also prepared for everything that they're going to bring to us. We also focused on ourselves, on building our team and building our squad as well, so we're quite excited about it.' While it's unlikely to be a focus for Sammy, there is a chance of a rare three-peat. Given what has happened so far this fairytale season, anything is possible.
IOL News
20-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Golden Fireballs finally ignite in Telkom Netball League triumph
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.
IOL News
20-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Fireballs clinch TNL title in thriller against Crinums
Nonsikelelo Mazibuko of Fireballs is challenged by Ane Retief of Crinums during their Telkom Netball League final at the Durban International Convention Centre. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix It was a case of third time lucky for the Golden Fireballs as they pulled off a dramatic 47-40 victory over the Free State Crinums in the Telkom Netball League final at the Durban ICC on Sunday afternoon. The unbeaten Fireballs started the brighter from the centre pass, but the Crinums responded swiftly. Centre Refiloe Nketsa began to dictate proceedings from midcourt, her pinpoint feeds troubling the Fireballs' defence. Goal attack Owethu 'Sammy' initially struggled to impose herself on the contest for Dr Elsje Jordaan's team but grew into the game with time. Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm's Crinums intensified their defence and opened up a five-goal cushion (11-6) with just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, the Fireballs roared back with a super shot from Ngubane and some clinical finishing from goal shooter Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, reducing the deficit to two goals by the break in play (13-11). In a fiercely contested second quarter, the Gauteng side tightened their defence as the match see-sawed. Nketsa was sin-binned for a heavy challenge on Fireballs goal defence Cornelia Mupenda in the dying seconds of the half. The teams were deadlocked at 23-23 going into the break. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ With the crowd matching the on-court intensity, the Fireballs capitalised on their numerical advantage after half-time with quick transitions that saw them edge ahead 27-24. Despite trailing 34-30 at one stage, the Crinums refused to wilt. But the Fireballs maintained control and led by seven goals with under 10 minutes to go — a gap they would not relinquish. Their composure in the final stretch sealed a historic maiden Telkom Netball League title for the Gauteng side, crowning a flawless campaign.
IOL News
18-07-2025
- 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.
Irish Independent
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘It gives me a lot of confidence' – Tom McKibbin gets $750,000 LIV boost before playing his second Open
The Netwownabbey star (22) closed with a five-under 66 to finish just four shots behind Talor Gooch in the individual standings and also helped Legion XIII win the $3m team prize, which will be ploughed back into their budget. 'Yeah, it gives me a lot of confidence,' said the Holywood star, who will be making his second appearance in The Open after finishing tied 66th at Royal Troon last year. 'My game has felt good for the last couple of weeks, and to finish off well here today, around a very difficult golf course and going into another difficult golf course next week gives me a lot of confidence going there. 'I'm really looking forward to it as it's somewhere that I've played a lot of golf growing up and in the wintertime, somewhere that I enjoy playing. Really excited to go over there.' Gooch, who is not among the 19 LIV Golf members teeing it up at Royal Portrush, shot a one-under 70 to win his fourth LIV Golf event and the $4m individual prize by a shot from Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm on eight-under. Legion XIII took the team event by a shot from Sergio Garcia's Fireballs and Rahm was pleased to play well heading to Ireland, where he has won two Irish Opens on links courses. 'I mean, if you're not going to win, second best is best case scenario,' Rahm said. 'Today, I played one of the better rounds of golf I've played in a very long time.' He won the Irish Open at Portstewart in 2017 and at Lahinch in 2019, and said earlier this week that he loves going back. 'I don't know what it is. I think every week I've had in Ireland has been such a wonderful experience," Rahm said. "Whether it's the golf course, the tournament, the people, I don't know. I really couldn't tell you exactly what it is. But every time I've gone it's been overwhelmingly positive, so I think that's led to me playing good. 'Or simply the fact that the first time I ever went to Ireland, to Portstewart in Northern Ireland, I played so good that I just kind of carried on. 'But every experience I've had there has been great. The times we've gone, even if it's on time off with the family or tournaments, it's always been such a great one that whenever I go back, I think I feed off of that. "When it comes to golf, I don't know if there's any secret to it, really." Paul McGinley, who will be an analyst for NBC at Royal Portrush, fancies Rahm to win The Open, and next week could be the week. 'I ran the Irish Open when it was in Lahinch, and he won,' McGinley said. 'His shot-making around Lahinch was phenomenal. He's also won in Portstewart, which is next door [to Portrush]. 'He's won two Irish Opens on Irish golf courses. He's got a three-quarter swing, as we know, and three-quarter swingers are great at knocking the ball out of the air. 'With his short game, too, he's got all the skill sets. I'd be really surprised at the end of his career if Jon Rahm hasn't probably won more Open Championships as he adds to his major total. 'He's got a game and a skill set that's really suited to play links courses.'
