BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Sonoblomo are making their promotion ambitions impossible to ignore, delivering a string of commanding performances in Division 2 of the Telkom Netball League (TNL) that has catapulted them into serious contention for a top-tier berth.

After starting the tournament with a mixed bag of results during Power Week 1, the team found immense momentum during Power Week 2 at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Arena. They put together an impressive four-match winning streak, propelling them to second position on the Division 2 log standings.

Operating as the Free State’s high-performance development side, the Sonoblomo were built with a clear purpose – to serve as a pathway for emerging talent and to ultimately earn a place in the prestigious Division 1 of the TNL. That goal has never felt more within reach, following their stellar run of results during Power Week 2.

Under the astute guidance of head coach Jerminah Nteso, the Sonoblomo turned heads with convincing victories that demonstrated both their technical ability and mental fortitude. They opened their Power Week 2 campaign in dominant fashion, dismantling the Diamonds 53 – 37 on 22 May. They followed that up with a hard-fought 51 – 45 victory over the Tshukudu on 24 May. Perhaps the most telling performance came in a breathtaking 42 – 41 win over the Kingdom Queens.

The Free State second-tier side currently sits in second place with 16 points after 14 matches played thus far, having recorded eight wins and six losses in a competitive division featuring nine teams across South Africa’s nine provinces. They trail only the Western Cape’s Tornados, who at the time of going to print remained undefeated and were also sitting on 20 points at the top of the table.

Should the Sonoblomo secure promotion, they will join the Free State Crinums in Division 1 – the top tier of the TNL featuring seven of the country’s finest women’s netball teams. Remarkably, the Crinums – still undefeated – are leading the Division 1 standings with 16 points. This means the Free State could soon boast two formidable forces at the highest level of South African netball competition.

In their last fixture of Power Week 2 today, on 28 May, they will face off against the Eastern Cape Lilies.