The final round of the 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL) promises fireworks as the battle for Division One supremacy reaches its climax. All roads lead to the Durban International Convention Centre, where the Gauteng Golden Fireballs arrive as front-runners.
Division One: Fireballs Set the Pace
The Fireballs, coached by Dr. Elsje Jordaan, are unbeaten and top the Division One log with 18 points after the first two Power Weeks. Hot on their heels are defending champions Free State Crinums (14 points), followed by the North-West Flames and the Gauteng Jaguars, completing the top four.
While all eyes are on the Fireballs, assistant coach Bongiwe Msomi says their focus is not on the pressure of staying at the top.
“We’ve been strictly about the standards. We never planned to be on top—it’s about how we want to be seen on the court. It doesn’t matter who we play; the goal is to maintain the standard,” Msomi shared.
“We’ve got a great group of young and senior players. It’s exciting to see them push for individual achievements while representing the Fireballs brand. We take it one game at a time, ticking off what we need to do. We hope to win gold, but that only comes if we do the work.”
Jaguars: From Injury to Impact
Record six-time champions, the Gauteng Jaguars, are looking to add yet another title to their legacy. Goal attack Kamogelo Maseko returned in the second Power Week after an eight-week post-operation recovery and made a huge impact in securing a top-four finish.
“Coming from injury, people expect the old version of you—but no one sees the rehab process,” Maseko said.
“I’m proud of myself. I’ve shown resilience. I’m growing day by day and getting stronger.”
The Jaguars have reached every TNL final since the tournament’s inception in 2014. For them, the real game begins in the semifinals.
“The goal is to finish in the top four. Once we get there, the tournament restarts. Semifinals are a different ball game—we must stay clinical and focused.”
Relegation Threat for Baobabs
At the other end of the table, the Limpopo Baobabs face the possibility of another promotion/relegation match. With only one win so far, their chances of survival hinge on a dramatic turnaround.
Division Two: A One-Point Battle
Division Two is locked in a thrilling race, with just one point separating the top four contenders:
- Western Cape Tornados—20pts
- North West Tshukudu—19pts
- Mpumalanga Sunbirds—18pts
- KwaZulu Natal Kingdom Stars – 17 pts
This tight race is expected to produce an electric semifinal round, with each team gunning not just for a final appearance but also for promotion to Division One.
SETTING THE MOOD WITH SHOW SPORT
Show Sports is South Africa’s leading hub for premium sports content and world-class tournaments. We bring fans closer to the action with a wide array of major sporting events and competitive tournaments across the country.