The Golden Fireballs celebrate after being crowned 2025 TNL champions with their victory over the Crinums at the Durban ICC.
Image: Netball South Africa
The Telkom Netball League (TNL) returns later this month, with Power Week 1 set to light up Durban from April 21 to May 2, ushering in another chapter of South Africa’s premier domestic competition.
All eyes will be on the Gauteng Golden Fireballs, who enter the new season with a target firmly on their backs after a flawless 2025 campaign. The Fireballs swept through the Division 1 competition unbeaten to secure the title under the coaching duo of Elsje Jordaan and former Proteas skipper Bongi Msomi, and will now be chasing a slice of history as they aim for back-to-back championships for the first time.
The team from the Highveld will have fond memories of Durban, having clinched the title at the ICC during Power Week 3. Their dominance last season set a high bar, but the chasing pack will arrive in KwaZulu-Natal determined to close the gap early.
Chief among them are the Free State Crinums, last year’s beaten finalists, who showed consistency and resilience throughout 2025 but ultimately fell short in the decider. With the sting of that loss still fresh, the Crinums will be eager to lay down an early marker.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Jaguars – the league’s most decorated side with six titles – find themselves in unfamiliar territory. They dropped out of genuine title contention after a below-par campaign by their lofty standards and will be intent on reasserting their authority. With their pedigree and depth, the Jaguars remain a dangerous proposition, particularly in the high-intensity Power Week format where momentum can shift quickly.
Power Week 1 is expected to offer an early indication of how the season could unfold, with teams balancing squad rotation and consistency across a demanding run of fixtures. Durban’s hosting of the opening block adds further intrigue, with coastal conditions and vocal crowds set to play their part.
Fans will also have a local team to rally behind again after the Kingdom Stars secured promotion from Division 2 in dramatic fashion. The Malawi Under-21 side and the Zambezi Eagles will feature as invitation teams.
Power Week 2 moves to Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg from May 22 to 31, before the final block at the University of Pretoria from June 12 to 15.
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year adds another compelling subplot, with former and current Proteas stars looking to force their way into Jenny van Dyk’s squad for the showpiece. The national side’s recent Test series victory against higher-ranked England has strengthened belief that this could finally be the year South Africa reaches the podium.