Teboho Setena
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Crinums have put their best foot forward in the 2026 Telkom Netball League (TNL) Division 1, maintaining an unbeaten record. Instrumental to the good run, defender Karla Pretorius has attributed the team’s impressive performance to their ability to go beyond their limits in every match. The Crinums’ unbeaten run can be attributed to cohesion, solid defense and shooting accuracy during Power Week 1 of South Africa’s premier netball championship.
The team’s ability will be truly tested in Power Week 2, taking place from 22 to 31 May at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, and Power Week 3, running from 12 to 15 June at the University of Pretoria (UP).
The Crinums are topping the log standings with 12 points, while their two arch-rivals – the Gauteng Jaguars and Western Cape Southern Stings – are in second and third place, respectively, with eight points apiece. The defending champions, the Gauteng Golden Fireballs, are fourth with six points.
Pretorius’ ability to think on her feet always makes a difference in the Crinums’ defensive and offensive approach.
“We want to be better every time we step onto the court,” said one of the most celebrated Free State netball players of her generation.
She bagged the coveted player of the match accolade in the Crinums’ 56 – 36 demolition of the Jaguars in the last game of Power Week 1, played on Friday 1 May.
After sitting out in 2025, Pretorius’ impact on the court has been instant in the Crinums’ quest to lift their fifth TNL title. The towering defender is helping to impart valuable knowledge and experience gained from winning three back-to-back TNL titles with the Crinums and her professional stint abroad.
Pretorius and her teammates are aiming to reclaim the coveted trophy that eluded them last year. She was part of the technical team that returned home with a silver medal.
“I’m intentional in how I lead on court. It’s about the team and creating space for each player to thrive.
“And I believe I lead by example: working hard, playing with intensity, and constantly looking for ways to bring out the best in my teammates,” said Pretorius.
The Crinums’ unbeaten streak in six matches has continued their reputation for breaking records in the TNL over the years.
They have set their sights on building on the memorable rivalry that lit up last year’s final, when they lost 40 – 47 to defending champions, the Gauteng Golden Fireballs.
The Crinums have reached seven finals: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The Martha-Mosoahle-Samm-led charges were runners-up in 2020, 2023, and 2025 against two Gauteng sides – the Fireballs and Jaguars.
