The Golden Fireballs beat the Jaguars in a nail-biting encounter in the Gauteng derby on Day 4 of the Telkom Netball League at Sun City Sun Park in the North West Province, on Youth Day in South Africa on Monday. All Photos: Netball South Africa

Day 4 of the Telkom Netball League was full of standout performers and thrilling victories epitomised by the highly anticipated Gauteng derby, a nail-biting encounter between the Fireballs and the Jaguars at Sun City Sun Park, outside Rustenburg in the North West Province, on Youth Day in South Africa, Monday, 16 June 2025. 

At half-time, the Golden Fireballs were leading by four goals, with a score of 26-24, and the match remained tightly contested, with the Fireballs exerting marginal leads, quarter by quarter.

The Fireballs edged out the Jaguars with a final score of 51-47 in an electrifying netball match. Despite both teams having the same number of shooting attempts, the Fireballs’ superior goal shooting percentage proved to be the decisive factor. 

The Gauteng Jaguars benefited from a height advantage, thanks to players Zane Bordonstein and Ine-Mari Venter, who helped them secure rebounds, but the Fireballs’ strategic approach, which emphasised ball recycling and precise shooting, paid off, completing 100 circle feeds to perfectly reflect Coach Dr Elsje Jordaan’s game plan.

Nonsikelelo Mazibuko was named Player of the Match, and the Fireballs maintained their unbeaten status in the tournament, and coach Jordaan praised her team’s energy, discipline, and leadership. 

In contrast, Jaguars coach Rozanne Matthyse commended her team’s resilience and improvement while highlighting areas for growth, particularly their physicality, in matching the competitive spirit of both teams.

In their Power Week 2 penultimate tie, Sunbirds narrowly defeated Tshukudu 46-44 in a close match, overcoming numerous errors and injuries. Their resilience was evident as they significantly improved their shooting percentage in the second half, marking Tshukudu’s first loss of the Power Week. 

Key stats included the Sunbirds recording 10 more turnovers and slightly higher penalties, while both teams had an equal number of rebounds. Notably, neither team scored on the super shot, the win highlighted the Sunbirds’ determination, prompting both coaches to review the game for improvement opportunities.

The Southern Stings faced the Spar Baby Proteas in a match that showcased momentum shifts. The Proteas delivered a strong performance with an impressive 88% shooting percentage, while the Stings managed to secure the win despite a missed super shot. This was the second match for the Junior national team, who earlier defeated the Baobabs 45-41.

In their final match of the day, the Crinums defeated the Flames 70-42. They started strong, maintaining control throughout the game with a 91% goal shooting percentage and 91 circle feeds compared to the Flames’ 62. 

The Crinums showcased excellent ball control, scoring 4 points from 2 successful super shots. This win is particularly significant following their previous losses, highlighting their skills under the guidance of Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm.

“I’m proud of the girls for giving their all today. It’s wonderful to see our young players stepping up and performing well as the team works towards staying in the top four. I’m excited about our talent, like Keke (Makhapela), who thrives under pressure.” – Martha Mosoahle-Samm, Crinums Coach.

“It was a tough day at the office. The Crinums’ defence was relentless, and we missed key opportunities. We need to play smarter and improve our ball placement.”

Flames Coach, Elsunet du Plessis

“With many players focused on exams, preparation was challenging, but we won’t use that as an excuse. We’ll revisit our game plan and come back stronger in Durban,” said coach Du Plessis.

You can catch the action live on SuperSport Variety 4 channel 209 or check out the Netball South Africa website for fixtures and updates, and tickets are available on the Netball South Africa (NSA) website at just R100.

Telkom Netball League Fixtures on Tuesday 17 June, 2025

07:00: Eastern Cape Comets vs Northern Cape Diamonds
09:00: Zambezi Eagles vs Golden Fireballs
11:00: Free State Sonoblomo vs Tornados
13:00: Eastern Cape Aloes vs Southern Stings
15:00: Mpumalanga Sunbirds vs Kingdom Queens
17:00: Limpopo Baobabs vs North West Flames
19:00: North West Tshukudu vs Kingdom Stars

Telkom Netball League Results on Monday 16 June, 2025

SA U21 45-41 Limpopo Baobabs
Limpopo Lillies 47-37 Eastern Cape Comets
Tornados 49-40 Kingdom Stars
Golden Fireballs 51-47 Gauteng Jaguars
North West Tshukudu 44-46 Mpumalanga Sunbirds
SA U21 49-52 Southern Stings
Free State Crinums 70-42 North West Flames

Telkom Netball League Results on Sunday 15 June, 2025

Free State Crinums 62-38 Eastern Cape Aloes
Northern Cape Diamonds 41-66 Free State Sonoblomo
Kingdom Queens 53-35 Limpopo Lillies
Limpopo Baobabs 38-63 Golden Fireballs
Tornados 58-35 Eastern Cape Comets
Eastern Cape Aloes 49-54 North West Flames
Southern Stings 49-61 Gauteng Jaguars

Telkom Netball League Results on Sunday 14 June, 2025

Limpopo Lillies 25-58 Mpumalanga Sunbirds
SA U21 38-59 Gauteng Jaguars
Limpopo Baobabs 41-53 Eastern Cape Aloes
Free State Sonoblomo 57-64 North West Tshukudu
Kingdom Stars 56-36 Northern Cape Diamonds
Golden Fireballs 47-41 Free State Crinums
Zambezi Eagles 64-62 North West Flames

Telkom Netball League Results on Friday 13 June, 2025

Limpopo Lillies 40-56 North West Tshukudu
Kingdom Queens 56-39 Northern Cape Diamonds
Tornados 52-40 Mpumalanga Sunbirds
Limpopo Baobabs 45-76 Gauteng Jaguars
Zambezi Eagles 54-59 Free State Crinums
North West Flames 50-69 Southern Stings


Original Copy: Netball South Africa, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: The Golden Fireballs beat the Jaguars in a nail-biting encounter in the Gauteng derby on Day 4 of the Telkom Netball League at Sun City Sun Park in the North West Province, on Youth Day in South Africa on Monday. All Photos: Netball South Africa

Photo 2 Caption: The Junior SA national team defeated Division 2’s Baobabs in Monday’s early fixture before narrowly going down to the Stings that afternoon.

Photo 3 Caption: The Free State Crinums thumped the North West Flames as the defending champs regained lost ground after Sunday’s loss.

Photo 4 Caption: Mpumalanga Sunbirds inflicted a first Power Week 2 loss on Division 1 heavyweights Tshukudu on an improved shooting percentage.

Photo 5 Caption: Southern Stings showed the SA U21 national netball team no mercy in a narrow win at the junior team’s second outing on Monday. 

Please Rate this Post

0 ratings, 0 votes0 ratings, 0 votes (0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
You need to be a registered member to rate this.
Loading...

About the Author:

Picture of gsport Contributor

gsport Contributor

This account is used to publish material provided to gsport by various third parties. While gsport ensures best endeavours to ensure that contributors have standing and that their contributions are relevant and legitimate, gsport's standard limitations in respect of third-party content apply. gsport.co.za/terms/

New Report

Close