Defending champions Kingdom Stars successfully defended their title, winning the TNL Championship final against the Tornados in front of passionate support for the 2025 Telkom Netball League teams involved as Division 2 finalists and bronze medallists, at the Durban International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 20 July 2025.
The Stars’ 10-goal margin 43-33 finals win showcased the team’s hard work and chemistry, as they celebrated their victory on home soil. Stars’ players Nozipho Ntshangase and Thulisile Maduna played crucial roles, securing turnovers and disrupting the Tornados’ rhythm.
The Tornados struggled to find their form, dealing with a high penalty count and low goal shooting percentage.
Stars Coach Nompumelelo Mthembu was overjoyed: “I’m overwhelmed with happiness for the team.”
“Our goal was to retain the title, and we’re thrilled to have achieved it. The crowd’s support was a tremendous boost.”
Kingdom Stars Coach, Nompumelelo Mthembu
Having won acclaim as TNC champions, the Stars will be confident after earning the right to face the TNL’s lowest-ranked team, Limpopo Baobabs, in the promotion/relegation match at 3pm on Sunday.
Division 1 Bronze Medalists
The Jaguars secured third place with a thrilling 67-59 win over the Stings. Despite a strong start from both teams, the Jaguars’ shooting circle, led by Kamogelo Maseko (Player of the Match) and Ine-Marí Venter, was phenomenal.
The Jaguars’ defence also played a crucial role, shutting down the Stings’ momentum in the second half, and the stats backed up the Jaguars’ dominance, with 22 gains from pressure and impressive shooting. Maseko’s two super shots provided a crucial four-point boost.
Coach Rozanne Matthyse was upbeat after the decider: “It’s been a journey for us. We started slow, but I think we did well to bounce back.”
“We knew not making it to the finals was part of the process, and securing bronze was vital for us.”
Gauteng Jaguars Coach, Rozanne Matthyse
“My team did an amazing job, and I’m so proud of them. I’m proud to be a Jaguar and proud to coach this incredible unit,” said Matthyse.
Division 2 Bronze Medalists
Tshukudu etched their name in the TNL history books by reaching the semifinals in just their second season. They secured the bronze medal with a 54-44 win over the Mpumalanga Sunbirds, led by Coach Faith Motau.
The North West Province team demonstrated remarkable growth and determination in a thrilling encounter, which paid off on the court, with both teams committing turnovers.
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However, Tshukudu’s clinical start and execution in the final third proved decisive. Their long balls and space-clearing runs were crucial to their victory. Tshukudu’s shooting percentage was an impressive 96%, although they incurred a high penalty rate due to the Sunbirds’ physical defence.
A visibly relieved and proud Coach Vivian Foko shared her thoughts on the team’s achievement: “I am so happy with how we performed, especially considering the journey we have been on. My team listened to me and respected my guidance, which was crucial to our success. Now, looking ahead to next season, I want to come back even stronger and make our way to Section A.”
2025 Telkom Netball League Division 2 Final Results on Saturday 19 July, 2025
Division 2 5th/6th Position Play Off: Free State Sonoblomo 44 – 48 Kingdom Queens
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: Defending champions Kingdom Stars successfully defended their title to win the TNL Division 2 Championship final against the Tornados in front of passionate support at the Durban International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 20 July 2025. All Photos: Netball South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: Division 2 Silver Medalists, the Tornados demonstrated can-do endeavour throughout the tournament, and their commendable finish is a testament to the hard-earned results through the season.
Photo 3 Caption: Division 2 Individual Award winners were (from left): Best Centre Court – Johanné Meyer (North West Tshukudu); MVP of the Tournament – Thulisile Maduna (Kingdom Stars); Best Shooter – Rehana Noah (Tornados); and Best Defender – Nozipho Ntshangase (Kingdom Stars).
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