The Gauteng Golden Fireballs have wrapped up their 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL) campaign in spectacular fashion, going undefeated and clinching their second Division One title with a 47–40 victory over defending champions, the Free State Crinums, at the Durban ICC.
A Historic Achievement
This win marks a special milestone for coach Dr. Elsje Jordaan and her team, who are now one of only three teams to ever lift the TNL trophy. With the Gauteng Jaguars holding six titles and the Crinums four, the Fireballs’ flawless run has set a new standard of consistency and resilience.
Consistency Pays Off
Dr. Jordaan praised her squad’s steady growth over the past three years, having consistently reached the semifinals and finishing in the top two during round-robin stages. After falling short in the semis in previous seasons, 2025 was the breakthrough.
“This second title is really special,” said Jordaan. “We finally got the monkey off our back and proved we could push through and win.”
A Powerful Coaching Duo
Joining Jordaan on the bench was Bongiwe Msomi, former Spar Proteas captain and a key player in Fireballs’ 2022 title-winning squad. Now a coach, Msomi has won the league both on and off the court. Jordaan spoke highly of their partnership, saying, “Working with Bongi was fantastic. We connect well, and I hope we continue working together. She’s still growing as a coach and has a bright future.”
New Rules, New Energy
The 2025 season introduced the Supershot rule—double points for goals scored from a designated zone during the last two minutes of the first and third quarters. Jordaan welcomed the excitement it brought but hopes for a tweak:
“I’d like to see both teams get equal use of the Supershot. It adds a tactical layer, encourages bold shooting, and energizes the crowd.”
Other Highlights
- Bronze Medal Match: The Gauteng Jaguars, six-time champions, claimed third place with a 67–59 win over the Western Cape Southern Stings. This was the first time the Jaguars failed to reach the final.
- Division Two Glory: KwaZulu Natal Kingdom Stars dominated the Tornados 43–33 to win Division Two. They then beat Limpopo Baobabs 60–42 in the promotion match, securing their return to Division One after a two-year absence.
- Third Place in Division Two: North-West Tshukudu overcame the Mpumalanga Sunbirds 54–44.
Individual Awards
Division One:
- Best Shooter: Owethu Ngubane (Golden Fireballs)
- Best Centre: Refiloe Nketsa (Crinums)
- Best Defender: Jamie van Wyk (Jaguars)
- Player of the Tournament: Tarle Mathe (Golden Fireballs)
Division Two:
- Best Shooter: Rehana Noah (Tornados)
- Best Centre: Johanne Meyer (Tshukudu)
- Best Defender: Nozipho Ntshangase (Stars)
- Player of the Tournament: Thulisile Maduna (Stars)
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