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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.