Bloemfontein: The Free State Crinums team is on the quest for its fifth Telkom Netball League (TNL) division A title, and illustrious head coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm, her second crown in succession.
This is amid the competition’s build-up to the crowning of the champions, in the Durban International Convention Centre on Sunday, 20 July.
The seven clubs in division A resumed their challenge to annex South Africa’s premier netball league championship on Monday, illustrated by the Crinums’ 53 − 44 victory over the Western Cape’s Southern Stings. The emphatic win propelled the reigning champions to a second-place ranking with 16 points, trailing behind their arch-rivals, the Golden Fireballs from Gauteng, with 20 points. The log leaders remain the only undefeated team in division A.
Leading up to the semifinal, Mosoahle-Samm’s charges face a litmus test against the Gauteng Jaguars in Wednesday’s fixture at 17:00. This team seeks to avenge the 47 − 46 defeat by the Crinums in last year’s final.
Another crucial fixture for the Crinums before the semifinal is on Thursday, against the Limpopo Baobabs. Wins in both matches are crucial to keep the title dream alive.
In plotting another cup coup, the Crinums are counting on players like captain and anchor Refiloe Nketsa, Liamé de Lange, and Bianca Lubbe for goal defence and sharp shooting.
The Free State girls boast four titles to their cabinet, among these being the inaugural crown they won in 2014. They continued their dominance with successive wins in 2015 and 2016.
The Crinums team is the holder of an impressive record as one of the most successful teams in South Africa, behind the six-time winner Gauteng Jaguars (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023).
The other favourites to make it into the semifinal fixtures are: the North West Flames, who are in third place, boasting 11 points; while the Jaguars are in fourth position.
The Stings, currently in fifth place with nine points, are under pressure to secure a slot in the semifinals.
They lost 46 − 48 to the Jaguars, while the Crinums defeated the Fireballs 43 − 39.
The close of the tournament is expected to reignite the rivalry between the Crinums and their Gauteng opponents.
