The Free State Crinums are feeling confident and prepared as they gear up to defend their Telkom Netball League title, which starts this weekend at Sun City in the North West.
The Crinums will field a largely new-look team this season as they chase a fifth star on their chest. However, they still boast with plenty of experience, led by Proteas stars Refiloe Nketsa and Ané Retief.
They will be without the legendary Karla Pretorius on court, as she takes up a new role on the sidelines as assistant coach. Although the Free State stalwart won’t be playing, her presence will still be of immense value to the team.
Up-and-coming talent Karla Victor will also be unavailable for the Crinums this season, as she turns out for the South African U21 team during the tournament. The Baby Proteas are using the TNL as preparation for the 2025 Junior Netball World Cup in Gibraltar.
As fate would have it, the Crinums’ title defence will begin on Saturday morning against none other than the Baby Proteas – meaning Victor will be lining up against her “home team”.
Speaking to Bloemfontein Courant, Victor shared her excitement about the opportunity:
“I’m really excited to be playing for the Baby Proteas this year in the TNL. As a team, we’re building towards something bigger and using the TNL is great preparation for the World Cup later this year,” said Victor.
“Our main goal is obviously to bring the trophy back home after the World Cup. Our first game is actually against the Crinums, which makes it even more exciting, because it’s my home team, if I can put it that way.
“I know a lot of the players – I train with them every day – so it’s going to be a tough and physical game to start with. We’re just going to enjoy the TNL and keep building toward that ultimate goal.”
For the Crinums, a strong start is crucial, especially with their second match – a classic showdown against arch-rivals, the Gauteng Jaguars – scheduled for Monday night.
Saturday’s clash between the Crinums and the Baby Proteas is set to start at 09:00.
Meanwhile, Free State’s second team, Sonoblomo, will open the tournament bright and early on Saturday at 07:00, taking on the Mpumalanga Sunbirds. They will then face the Comets on Sunday at 16:00, followed by a match against the Kingdom Queens from KwaZulu-Natal on Monday at 12:00. – MORGAN PIEK
