When the North West Flames stepped onto court for the opening week of the 2025 Telkom Netball League, they brought more than just intensity, they brought belief. At the centre of that belief stands their captain, Martiné Jordaan.
Reserved off court, relentless on it, Jordaan is not only a rising star in South African netball but also an emerging leader whose influence is growing with every match.
After a strong start to the campaign, Jordaan reflects on the team’s performance with pride.
“I’m really happy with how we’ve performed. We’ve made a big step up this year, and what excites me most is our fighting spirit. We never gave up in our games, and that says a lot about who we are becoming as a team.”
Captain of Telkom Netball League Contenders North West Flames, Martiné Jordaan
A student-athlete pursuing Pharmaceutics at North-West University (NWU), Jordaan embodies the kind of balance and composure that leaders strive for. Despite her modest height in a game often dominated by taller players, she’s never let it define her.
“Heart and courage are not measured in centimetres. I want to inspire smaller players to know they belong too.”
Her captaincy reflects her evolution, not just as a player, but as a person. “I’ve struggled with confidence in the past, especially when I lost my on-court partner Sanmarie. But this season, I’ve learned to back myself more and trust that I’ll be okay no matter the result.”
It’s not surprising that Flames players rally behind her. From the goalkeeper position, Jordaan sees the game with clarity, and communication is her superpower.
“I love talking on court, it helps me guide others. Off court, having the difficult conversations has been more challenging, but I’m learning. Leadership isn’t just about giving instructions: it’s about showing up through your actions.”
That focus on leading by example is something she’s deeply intentional about. “I want my teammates to be able to rely on me, not just through words but through how I play and carry myself. I want to be the player who gives 100% every time, someone they can count on.”
For Jordaan, the culture built at NWU, where many of the Flames players come from has been a foundational part of her growth. “It’s not just about a shared system, but about the kind of people we are. We’ve set a common goal, and everyone understands their role in making it happen.”
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Recently named in the President’s XII squad and shortlisted among the final 25 players in the Protea training group, Jordaan is focused on growth, not accolades.
“It’s a privilege to be recognised, but I know I’m not doing it alone. My teammates make me look good. I’m not changing anything right now, just working on the small things and staying true to how I play.”
Her maturity and grounded mindset are evident, especially in high-pressure situations. “We’ve had many conversations as a team about what we believe in, unity and trust. It can’t only show up during tournaments; it has to be there from the start.”
Balancing elite sport with academics remains one of her toughest challenges. Her advice to other student-athletes?
“Focus on the box you’re in. When it’s netball, give it everything. When it’s academics, switch your full focus there. Trying to blend the two at once doesn’t work.”
For young girls dreaming of making their mark in netball, Jordaan’s message is clear: “Break the mould. Don’t try to be someone else – Be your own kind of player! Netball has space for all shapes, sizes and styles, just be you and give it your heart.”
As the Flames look ahead to the next leg of the Telkom Netball League, Jordaan is quietly confident.
“I want to keep improving, game by game.”
“Try new things. Play with joy. And I believe we’re going to surprise a few people this season,” says Jordaan. “We’ve known what we’re capable of for a while, now it’s time to show the rest of the country.”
Main Photo Caption: Captain of Telkom Netball League Contenders North West Flames, Martiné Jordaan, is a student-athlete pursuing Pharmaceutics at the North-West University, and embodies the kind of balance and composure that leaders strive for. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: From her goalkeeper position, Flames captain Jordaan sees the game with clarity, and communication is her superpower.
Photo 3 Caption: Jordaan: “Focus on the box you’re in. When it’s netball, give it everything. When it’s academics, switch your full focus there.”
Photo 4 Caption: “[Its] been challenging, but I’m learning. Leadership isn’t just about giving instructions: It’s about showing up through your action
