Tarle Mathe is the talk of the town after her sensational 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL). She raised her personal profile with sensational performances that saw her return from a mid-season injury to seal the title with her team, the Gauteng Golden Fireballs, as well as being named Player of the Tournament.
She says her recent success still feels surreal.
“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.”
2025 Telkom Netball League Champions Golden Fireballs Star, Tarle Mathe
With her star potential on the rise, she will certainly be a player who will be a sure bet to succeed in the future, as she has proven her ability on the court. The young netball player is currently not sponsored, most of the support she gets comes through the structures of the leagues and her team.
Mathe says having a sponsor would make a huge difference as she now has to manage her resources as she pursues her aspirations.
“A lot of us have to juggle studies, work, or other responsibilities alongside netball because the financial support is not always there. I have had to be very disciplined in managing resources and making sacrifices to keep chasing my dreams. That’s why sponsors and support systems are so important for female athletes.”
Although Mathe cannot speak from personal experience, she says she is well aware of how tough it can be to acquire a sponsor.
“I know from speaking to other players that it takes a lot of networking, building your brand, and showing consistency both on and off the court. It’s about demonstrating that you’re not just an athlete but also someone who can represent a sponsor’s values.”
The Spar Proteas player is urging potential sponsors to see her as not just a player but part of the bigger world that is women’s sport. She believes getting the necessary financial backing will allow her to achieve big things and, in return, inspire young netball players.
“I would say that investing in me is not just about supporting a player, but about supporting the growth of women’s sport in South Africa. I am committed, hardworking, and passionate about representing my team and my country. With the right backing, I believe I can achieve even greater things and inspire the next generation of netball players.”
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Mathe emphasised the importance of a brand like Telkom, who has thrown their weight behind netball. According to the UJ player, this means the game and its players are able 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.”
“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.
Mathe has proven her skill and ambition when it comes to what she can do on court, so what does she hope to achieve in her career as a netball player?
“My ultimate ambition is to represent South Africa consistently at the highest level and to play a part in helping the Proteas reach new heights on the international stage. Beyond that, I want to leave a legacy, to inspire young girls from all backgrounds to believe that they too can make it in netball.”
Given what we have seen in recent months, she is certainly on her way to becoming a household name and a worthy role model for the next generation of netball players.
Main Photo Caption: Tarle Mathe is the talk of the town after a sensational Telkom Netball League campaign, in which she raised her profile with sensational performances that saw her return from a mid-season injury to seal the 2025 title with her team, the Gauteng Golden Fireballs. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Not only did Mathe seal the 2025 title with her team, the Gauteng Golden Fireballs star was named Player of the Tournament.
Photo 3 Caption: TNL 2025 Individual Award winners (from left): MVP – Tarle Mathe; Shooter – Olwethu Ngubane; Centre Court– Refiloe Nketsa; and Defender – Jamie van Wyk.
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