Defending Champions Crinums and Fireballs Blaze while Lillies Record Opening Win
Veteran teams demonstrated their prowess, emerging talents shone brightly, and the revamped Limpopo Lillies team celebrated a memorable campaign launch on Day 3 of the Telkom Netball League, at the Sun City Super Bowl outside Rustenburg, in the North West Province, on Monday, 28 April 2025.
The unbeaten Golden Fireballs extended their top form with a commanding 63-42 victory over the Southern Stings, dominating from the outset and capitalising on Stings’ errors.
Their clinical attack and stifling defence disrupted the Stings’ rhythm throughout. Tarle Mathe was instrumental in the win, earning yet another Player of the Match award for her outstanding skill and performance on court.
The Lillies, under new head coach Tshimangadzo Munyai, marked a new era with a convincing 38-36 victory over the Diamonds. With nine new players added to their squad this season, the team displayed excellent unity, tactical discipline, and energy.
Coach Munyai’s influence was evident, with the Limpopo Lillies executing a fast, fluid style of netball that overwhelmed the Diamonds. This opening win is a significant boost for the Lillies’ confidence as they look to build momentum in the days ahead.
Other notable performances included Zambezi’s 56-48 win over Limpopo Baobabs, South Africa’s U21 team’s impressive 54-47 victory over Eastern Aloes, and the Free State Crinums’ dominant 59-37 win over Gauteng Jaguars.
In the final match of the day, the Crinums put their foot on the pedal and were firmly in control against Jaguars, leading 46-25 by the end of the third quarter. Displaying a superior structure and finishing, outplaying the Jaguars in all areas of the court.
The Gauteng side continue their search for a first win of the campaign, having shown glimpses of potential but struggling to maintain consistency across four quarters. The clash ended with the Crinums securing a 59-37 win.
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Jaguars coach Rozanne Matthyse reflected on her team’s performance: “Yeah, it’s about the game. It was a difficult game for us. We were confident coming into this game, but sometimes you learn more from losing than winning.
“I’m confident in my team; we know how to bounce back. We’ve been in tough situations before, like in 2023 when we came back strong after losing crucial games. We still have work to do; we’re not at our best, making silly mistakes and not playing solid netball.
Gauteng Jaguars Coach, Rozanne Matthyse
“We need to take accountability, capitalise on opportunities, and improve our performance,” elaborated Matthyse.
Crinums coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm expressed her pride and excitement after the win.
“I’m so proud of my team. We played consistently and stuck to our game plan. Being defending champions is a privilege, not a pressure. Every team wants to be the best against us, and that’s exciting.”
Free State Crinums Coach, Martha Mosoahle-Samm.
The Telkom Netball League’s official opening ceremony took place at 4pm at the Sun City Super Bowl and it was attended by esteemed dignitaries including MEC for COGHSTA Saliva Molapisi, MEC for Treasury Kenetswe Mosenogi, MEC for Education Viola Motsumi, Kgosi Monnakgotla of the Bakung Ba Ratheo royal family, Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Susan Nthangeni, MMC for Sport Cllr Ofentse Molusi, Acting Municipal Manager Beauty Makganye, President of North West Sport Confederation Thebe Sekoto, and Telkom Public Relations Senior Specialist Kgomotso Zimase.
Their presence highlighted the strong support and commitment behind the league’s continued success.
As the TNL continues to thrill fans with high intensity matches and exceptional talent, the excitement is set to build further in the days ahead.
The Department of Education’s support has been fantastic, with 1,000 learners being bused in daily from across the province to enjoy the Telkom Netball League.
Matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 channel 209. Tickets are available on the Netball South Africa (NSA) website here at just R100.
Telkom Netball League Results on Monday 28 April 2025
Limpopo Lillies 38-36 Northern Cape Diamonds
Zambezi Eagles 56-48 Limpopo Baobabs
KD Queens 59-47 Free State Sonoblomo
Mpumalanga Sunbirds 38-45 Tornados
Spar Baby Proteas 54-47 Eastern Aloes
Golden Fireballs 63-42 Southern Stings
Eastern Cape Comets 31-48 KD Stars
Free State Crinums 59-38 Gauteng Jaguars
Telkom Netball League Results on Sunday 27 April 2025
Golden Fireballs 61-40 Zambezi Eagles
Limpopo Baobabs 34-68 Free State Crinums
Tornados 51-23 KD Queens
Northern Cape Diamonds 27-53 KD Stars
Gauteng Jaguars 57-60 North West Flames
Tshukudu 52-37 Limpopo Lillies
Eastern Cape Comets 48-47 Free State Sonoblomo
Limpopo Baobabs 48-52 Southern Stings
Golden Fireballs 68-35 Spar Baby Proteas
Telkom Netball League Results on Saturday 26 April 2025
Mpumalanga Sunbirds 52-45 Free State Sonoblomo
Free State Crinums 58-46 Spar Baby Proteas
Tornados 54-33 Northern Cape Diamonds
North West Flames 51-46 Zambezi Eagles
Golden Fireballs 71-35 Limpopo Baobabs
KD Queens 47-36 KD Kings
Southern Stings 62-34 Eastern Cape Aloe
Telkom Netball League Fixtures on Monday 28 April 2025
07:00 Eastern Cape Comets vs Limpopo Lillies
07:00 KD Stars vs Free State Sonoblomo
09:00 Gauteng Jaguars vs SPAR Baby Proteas
11:00 Mpumalanga Sunbirds vs Tshukudu
13:00 Southern Stings vs North West Flames
15:00 KD Queens vs Eastern Cape Comets
17:00 Eastern Aloes vs Free State Crinums
17:00 SPAR Baby Proteas vs Limpopo Baobabs
19:00 Gauteng Jaguars vs Zambezi Eagles
19:00 Limpopo Lillies vs Tornados
Original Copy: Netball South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The opening ceremony of the 2025 Telkom Netball League saw government and sporting dignitaries mark the occasion at the Sun City Super Bowl in the North West Province, on Monday, 28 April 2025. All Photos: Netball South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: The Golden Fireballs earned a commanding 63-42 victory over the Southern Stings for a more disciplined performance.
Photo 3 Caption: The Limpopo Lillies secured a convincing 38-36 victory over the Diamonds under new head coach Tshimangadzo Munyai.
Photo 4 Caption: Zambezi Eagles secured a notable victory over the winless Limpopo Baobabs for their first victory in the tournament.
Photo 5 Caption: Free State Crinums were firmly in control, outplaying the Jaguars in all areas of the court in the final match of the day.
Crédito: Link de origem