Gauteng’s Golden Fireballs have written their names into history, defeating defending champions the Free State Crinums to raise the 2025 Telkom Netball League trophy after a memorable victory at the Durban International Convention Centre in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 20 July 2025.
The Fireballs secured the championship title with a convincing 47-40 victory, showcasing their dominance throughout the 2025 season, finishing with a perfect record and without conceding a single loss.
Guided by coaches Dr. Elsje Jordaan and Bongi Msomi, their consistency and determination were key. The players’ mutual respect and strong chemistry contributed significantly to their success.
The Crinums started strong, taking a 13-11 lead in the first quarter, but the Fireballs fought back, coming back to claim a share of the lead for a halftime score of 23-23. The introduction of Tanita van Dyk and Jeante Strydom added fresh energy to the game and significantly contributed to the final score.
The Fireballs made 52 attempts at goal, boasting an impressive shooting percentage. In contrast, while the Crinums also had a strong shooting 80 percentage, they ultimately fell short.
“It’s been a 12-player effort, and to see how everybody contributed to every game, it’s just massive!”
Gauteng’s Golden Fireballs Coach, Dr. Elsje Jordaan
“We are very grateful for the seamless collaboration between the team management, including myself, Bongi, Tass, and Amy, which contributed to a truly fantastic season,” said Jordaan.
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The Kingdom Stars dominated the Baobabs in a repeat of last year’s Telkom Netball League promotion / relegation match, thrashing them 60-42. This convincing win secures Kingdom Stars’ spot in Division 1, showcasing their strength and determination.
The Baobabs’ towering Goal Shooter, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, led the team to an early 14-10 lead in the first quarter. However, Baobabs’ inconsistent play allowed the Stars to dominate the second quarter, taking control 25-20.
The KwaZulu-Natal team, uplifted by their victory over the Tornados in the group finals, entered the game with renewed energy. Goal Shooter Sbonga Mdletshe excelled in the quarter, consistently converting shots, while her opponent struggled to find rhythm.
Nompumelelo Mthembu’s side maintained their dominance, leading 48-29 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter sealed Emily Mathosa’s team’s fate, a dreaded demotion to Division 2 in the 2026 season.
2025 Telkom Netball League Final Result, on Sunday 20 July, 2025
Golden Fireballs 47 – 40 Crinums
Telkom Netball League 2025 Individual Awards
Best Shooter – Olwethu Ngubane (Gauteng Golden Fireballs)
Best Centre – Refiloe Nketsa (Free State Crinums)
Best Defender – Jamie van Wyk (Gauteng Jaguars)
Player of the Tournament – Tarle Mathe (Gauteng Golden Fireballs)
2025 Telkom Netball League Promotion / Relegation Result, on Sunday 20 July, 2025
Baobabs 42 – 60 Kingdom Stars
2025 Telkom Netball League Division 2 Final Results on Saturday 19 July, 2025
Division 1 5th/6th Position Play Off: North West Flames 56 – 54 Eastern Cape Aloes
Division 2 3rd/4th Position Play Off: Mpumalanga Sunbirds 44 – 54 North West Tshukudu
Division 1 Bronze Medal Match: Southern Stings 59 – 67 Gauteng Jaguars
Division 2 FINAL: Tornados 33 – 43 Kingdom Stars
TNL Division 2 Individual Winners
Best Shooter – Rehana Noah (Tornados)
Best Centre – Johanné Meyer (North West Tshukudu)
Best Defender – Nozipho Ntshangase (Kingdom Stars)
Player of the Tournament – Thulisile Maduna (Kingdom Stars)
2025 Telkom Netball League Final Fixtures on Sunday 20 July, 2025
13:00 – Promotion Relegation Match: Golden Fireballs vs Kingdom Stars
15:00 – TELKOM NETBALL LEAGUE FINAL: Golden Fireballs vs Free State Crinums
2025 Telkom Netball League Semi-Finals Results on Friday 18 July, 2025
Division 2 7th/8th Place Play Off: Northern Cape Diamonds 51 – 34 Limpopo Lilies
Division 2 Semi-Final 1: Tornados 50 – 44 Mpumalanga Sunbirds
Division 2 Semi-Final 2: Kingdom Stars 53 – 45 North West Tshukudu
Division 1 Semi-Final 1: Golden Fireballs 60 – 47 Southern Stings
Division 1 Semi-Final 2: Free State Crinums 58 – 52 Gauteng Jaguars
Telkom Netball League Power Week 3 Wrap on 17 July, 2025
Telkom Netball League Power Week 2 Wrap on 18 June, 2025
Telkom Netball League Power Week 1 Wrap on 5 May, 2025
Original Copy: Netball South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Gauteng’s Golden Fireballs have written their names into history, defeating defending champions the Free State Crinums to raise the 2025 Telkom Netball League trophy after a memorable victory at the Durban International Convention Centre in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 20 July 2025. All Photos: Netball South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: TNL 2025 Silver Medalists, the Free State Crinums started strong, taking a 13-11 lead in the first quarter, and though they boasted a strong shooting 80 percentage, the Fireballs fought back to claim the win by a seven-goal margin.
Photo 3 Caption: TNL 2025 Individual Award winners for Division 1 were (from left): Player of the Tournament – Tarle Mathe (Gauteng Golden Fireballs); Best Shooter – Olwethu Ngubane (Gauteng Golden Fireballs); Best Centre Court– Refiloe Nketsa (Free State Crinums); and Best Defender – Jamie van Wyk (Gauteng Jaguars).
Photo 4 Caption: After winning the Division 2 championship, KwaZulu-Natal’s Kingdom Stars made the most of their advantage to beat TNL Division 2’s Limpopo Baobabs to win the 2025 Telkom Netball League Promotion / Relegation Result.
