BLOEMFONTEIN – They came, they saw, they conquered – this perfectly encapsulates the Free State Crinums’ invincible run to claim the 2026 Telkom Netball League (TNL) Division 1 title.
Coach Martha Mosoahle- Samm’s squad pulled off a flawless campaign to write another chapter in South African netball’s history books. They finished the season entirely undefeated across 14 matches, confirming their status as the country’s netball powerhouse and proving they have undeniable championship pedigree.
The triumphant Crinums cemented that legacy in style on Monday 15 June at the University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall, where netball supremacy in South Africa was determined and a fierce rivalry was renewed. The gutsy Crinums exacted sweet revenge in a rematch of the previous year’s final, dethroning defending champions Gauteng Golden Fireballs with a commanding 46 – 32 victory. In last year’s final, the Free State side had fallen 40 – 47 to the Fireballs.
The win marks a fifth TNL title for the Crinums, solidifying their standing as the second most successful team in the tournament’s history – just one title behind the Gauteng Jaguars.
Notably, the Crinums have claimed all their titles against Gauteng arch-rivals – the Jaguars and the Fireballs.

Adding a personal milestone to the triumph, decorated defender Karla Pretorius (née Mostert) claimed her fifth championship crown, having returned to the court to remind everyone of her world-class talent. Pretorius has now won five league titles with the Crinums in total, a tally that includes early editions played under the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League banner before the competition was rebranded as the Telkom Netball League in 2019.
It was the Crinums’ eighth final appearance and Mosoahle-Samm’s second title in three finals as head coach – a testament to her ability to seamlessly blend youthful ambition with the priceless experience of a champion like Pretorius.

“I’m so proud of the girls – it’s unbelievable what they have achieved. This was our dream to win the title, and it was our plan to go untouchable, unfazed, undefeated,” said an elated Mosoahle-Samm.
She attributed the historic win to clinical execution of the game plan. Her team absorbed the pressure, played at a high tempo throughout, and the Fireballs wilted when it mattered most.

The Crinums made a clean sweep as three players scooped coveted individual accolades for their stellar performances.

Recipients:

Pretorius: Best Defender award
Bianca Lubbe: Best Shooter award
Refiloe Nketsa: Best Mid-Court Player award – retaining the honour she claimed the previous year.
Karla Victor centre-cum-wing defence, was named Player of the Match in the grand final, capping an outstanding display to complete a perfect day for the Crinums.