A Newbie’s Guide to the TNL Spotlight
For many of the new faces stepping onto court at the Durban University of Technology this week, a new chapter has officially begun, the lights are brighter, the crowd is louder, and the spotlight of the Telkom Netball League is officially on, with Power Week 1 of the TNL 2026 underway at the Durban University of Technology in Durban until Sunday, 2 May, 2026.
Stepping into this space can be daunting, and mastering the off-court game is just as vital as the footwork on it. For newcomers looking to navigate the media landscape, here is the definitive Who’s Who and How-To for Power Week 1.
Know the Power Players
Success in the TNL is not just about who is in the circle, it is about knowing the people who make the circle exist.
Telkom makes this all possible, with the naming rights sponsor leading the charge for women’s sport. Get to know Gugu Mthembu, Chief Marketing Officer at Telkom and a fierce champion for women’s sport, and Braam Wessels, Telkom Sponsorship Manager and a long-time ally of the game.
You are playing under the leadership of Mami Diale, President of Netball South Africa (NSA), and Adam Brooke, CEO of NSA. Media at NSA is handled by Nnusi Gazi, and building a good rapport with him ensures your communications run smoothly.
Make Friends with the Mic
When you step in front of the camera, do not just see a lens, see a person.
Simnikiwe Mdaka is the face of SuperSport’s live coverage of the TNL. Learn her name and the names of the production crew. Answering an interviewer by name instantly elevates your professionalism.
The media tells your story to the world. Make friends with journalists like Busisiwe Mokwena and Mpumi Manyisi, and others on the press bench. They are the bridge between your performance and your fans.
Responding to the Media
Journalists work on tight deadlines, and being a pro means being reachable.
Know your process. Do you handle your own DMs, or does your team media officer take the lead? Always respond promptly. Even if you cannot do the interview, a timely yes or no builds respect in the industry.
Be Player of the Match Ready
Do not wait for the final whistle to think about what you will say. If you have played a blinder, the world will want to hear from you.
Be ready for the ceremonial cheque handover. It is a major brand moment for you, your team, Telkom and NSA. You will likely face a World Feed interview with SuperSport, followed by NSA and other gathered media. Have two or three interesting thoughts about the game’s turning points ready to go. Exciting content makes for a memorable star.
Recognition is a journey of small, meaningful steps. By knowing the players and respecting the process, you are not just playing a league, you are building a career.
The gsport Newsroom is providing daily wraps of the Telkom Netball League 2026 at gsport.co.za.
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Main Photo Caption: Power Week 1 of the Telkom Netball League 2026 is underway at the Durban University of Technology, and to assist players new to the stage, the gsport Newsroom shares a definitive Who’s Who and How-To guide for newcomers navigating the off-court media landscape with confidence and professionalism through their first encounter with the league spotlight. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Sponsorship moments, broadcast interviews, and journalist relationships define a player’s media journey beyond final whistles.
Photo 3 Caption: TNL debutants step into the Telkom Netball League spotlight at Power Week 1, where careers begin under brighter lights.
Crédito: Link de origem