Day 1 of the 2024 edition of the Telkom Netball League (TNL) got off to a desirous start, with 12 of the 16 teams stepping onto court in a bid to prove to everyone that they have truly arrived.
As the first fixture of the day got underway with newcomers Tshukudu from the North- taking the court against Kingdom Stars from KwaZulu Natal, it is evident that the future of Netball in South Africa is looking bright.
Chatting to the President of Netball South Cecilia Molokwane stated that: “Today marks a new era within netball in South Africa, we have grown to 16 teams participating in the TNL. She continues, this is a true testament that we have reimagined what the future of the sport in the country is capable of. And this reimagination is now a reality.
“Netball is evolving, and we are pleading with people to do the same as we grow the game of Netball.”
Looking at today’s matches, it is noticeable that growth in all districts and provinces has been elevated to higher levels.
The eagerly anticipated match of the day was between the defending champions of the A Division Gauteng Jaguars vs the newly promoted Baobabs. The more experienced team proved that they are still a force to be reconned with. Notwithstanding the skill and talent that the Baobabs brought to court. The 6-time champions walked away as victors with a score of 53-40.
In the B Division, the current favourite team is the Lillies, bringing to court, a host of young players that are eager, hungry, and motivated to impress their abilities on their opponents, this is a team to look out for.
In the last match of the day, spectators came out in full force in support of the Gauteng Golden Fireballs with immense ululating and cheers, they truly epitomised what it means to be the Home of Champions. In a fiercely contested match, we saw the Fireballs take the win at 42-39, Marichelle Visagie in the circle together with Monique Reyneke-Meyer in the defence circle for Gauteng Fireballs indicated the experience of performing under pressure.
Full Results:
Kingdom Stars 53 -42 Tshukudu
Kingdom Queens 32 – 37 Sunbirds
Tornados 46 – 34 Lillies
Jaguars 53 – 40 Baobabs
Comets 43 -35 Diamonds
Fireballs 42 – 39 Flames
