The Telkom Netball League has established itself as a leading competition in recent years. It has elevated the profile of netball in the country and provided the sport with well-deserved recognition. Players have also benefited greatly, as their skills are now showcased on a national stage.
As a sponsor, Telkom has played a central role in the growth of netball by supporting a key area of women’s sport that is now a hallmark event on the sports calendar. The tournament’s success has provided players with a world-class competition at home, and almost eliminating the need to travel overseas to compete at the highest level.
The players are also behind the success of the tournament, and 2025 was yet another blockbuster campaign. One player who set this year’s edition of the popular TNL alight was Gauteng Fireballs’s Tarle Mathe who, despite a midseason injury, managed to make a sensational comeback to be named Player of the Tournament.
“Winning and performing well at this level is something I have dreamed about for a long time, so I am still processing it. But at the same time, I feel really proud because it’s a reflection of all the hard work, sacrifice, and the support system around me,” Tarle told gsport in a previous interview.
In that interview, Mathe also emphasised the importance of a brand like Telkom who has thrown their weight behind netball. She is of the opinion that this kind of support allows the game and its players to grow and excel on all fronts.
“It means everything. Without sponsors like Telkom, we would not have a platform like the Telkom Netball League where players can showcase their talent and grow. Their support shows us that our sport is valued, and it motivates us to keep raising the bar.”
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“Telkom has made a massive difference. They have helped professionalise the league, given players more exposure, and created opportunities that didn’t exist before. Netball is now reaching more homes, more young girls are inspired to play, and the sport as a whole is growing in recognition. That impact is invaluable”, she added.
Fellow Fireballs teammate and another upcoming star in South African netball, Owethu Ngubane, captured the Shooter of the Tournament award. While Refiloe Nketsa of the Free State Crinums was the 2025 Mid-Court Player, and Gauteng Jaguars captain Jamie van Wyk walked away with the Defender of the Tournament.
Top 10 Telkom Netball League Players of 2025
1. Tarle Mathe – Golden Fireballs
The standout player of the 2025 Telkom Netball League, Tarle Mathe was named Player of the Tournament after delivering consistently dominant performances for the undefeated champions. The Centre’s ability to influence matches at both ends of the court, including the final, places her firmly at the top of the list.
2. Thulisile Maduna – KwaZulu-Natal Kingdom Stars
Maduna’s impact in Division 2 was unmatched, earning her the Division’s Tournament MVP Award. Her influence in defence across the season powered the Kingdom Stars’ campaign and made her the most outstanding performer in her division.
3. Christi-Mari Coetzee – North West Flames
Coetzee recorded five Player of the Match awards, one of the highest totals in the league. The dependable Goal Defence’s consistency and influence were further recognised when she was named Junior Sportswoman of the Year at NWU, underlining her standout 2025 season.
4. Jeané Visser – North West Tshukudu
Visser matched the league’s top POTM count with five Player of the Match awards in Division 2. The Goal Keeper’s repeated recognition highlights her ability to dominate matches and deliver high-impact performances throughout the season.
5. Jamie van Wyk – Gauteng Jaguars
A leader and defensive anchor, van Wyk was named Best Defender of the 2025 TNL. She also claimed four Player of the Match awards while captaining the Jaguars, underlining her consistency, leadership, and defensive authority.
6. Liamé de Lange – Free State Crinums
De Lange’s four Player of the Match awards reflect her importance to the Crinums’ strong 2025 campaign. The Goal Defence player’s ability to deliver repeat match-winning performances makes her one of the most statistically impactful players of the season.
7. Cornelia Mupenda – Golden Fireballs
Part of the championship-winning Fireballs squad, Namibia’s Mupenda collected four Player of the Match awards to stand out in a star-studded team, the Goal Keeper highlighting her individual quality and consistent match influence.
8. Refiloe Nketsa – Free State Crinums
Nketsa was named Best Mid Court Player and also won three Player of the Match awards in 2025. Her control of tempo and ability to dictate play through the middle of the court were key features of the Crinums’ success.
9. Owethu Ngubane – Golden Fireballs
Ngubane was recognised as the league’s Best Shooter and added two Player of the Match awards to her season. Her scoring accuracy and ability to deliver under pressure were central to the Fireballs’ title-winning run.
10. Phillicia Kgaabi – Mpumalanga Sunbirds
Kgaabi rounds out the Top 10 after earning three Player of the Match awards. The Goal Defenc player’ inclusion reflects strong individual performances and consistent impact in a competitive Sunbirds side.
Main Photo Caption: The standout player of the 2025 Telkom Netball League, Tarle Mathe was named Player of the Tournament after delivering consistently dominant performances for the undefeated champions. Mathe’s ability to influence matches at both ends of the court, including the final, places her firmly at the top of the list. All Photos: Netball South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: The #gsportTop10 Telkom Netball League Players of 2025 celebrate the excellence of stars who showcased world-class talent in a league that continues to grow and professionalise netball through the vital support and commitment of Telkom.
