The tournament provides the perfect platform for the national U21 side to test themselves against some of the country’s top talent, as they gear up for the 2025 Junior Netball World Cup in Gibraltar. 

In their opening fixture on Saturday morning, the Baby Proteas face a stern test against defending champions, the Free State Crinums. The clash is expected to be a baptism of fire for both teams.

Karla Victor. Photo: NSA

Free State star Karla Victor will don the national colours this season as part of the South African U21 squad – and she is relishing the challenge. Victor played a key role in the Crinums’ triumphant 2024 campaign, which saw them secure their fourth Telkom Netball League title. 

She also helped steer the UFS Kovsies to victory in the 2024 Varsity Netball series. 

“I’m really excited to be representing multiple teams in this year’s TNL,” said Victor. “We’re building something special as a unit, and the TNL is excellent preparation for the World Cup.

‘Going to be a hard-fought match’

“Our ultimate goal is to bring the trophy home. Facing the Crinums in our first game adds a special twist – they’re my home team, if I can say that. 

“I know many of the players well – I train with them daily – so it’s going to be a hard-fought match. But we’re looking forward to the experience and just enjoying our time in the league.”

Renowned Free State and Kovsies coach, Burta de Kock, has previously hailed Victor as one of the most talented young players she has had the privilege of mentoring in her distinguished career. The Crinums will no doubt feel her absence this season.

Saturday’s much-anticipated encounter between the Crinums and the Baby Proteas at the Superbowl is set to start at 09:00. Earlier in the day, at 07:00, the Free State’s second side, Sonoblomo, will get the tournament underway against the Mpumalanga Sunbirds.

Day One Fixtures – Saturday, 26 April

• 07:00 – Mpumalanga Sunbirds vs Free State Sonoblomo
• 09:00 – Free State Crinums vs Baby Proteas
• 11:00 – Western Cape Tornadoes vs Northern Cape Diamonds
• 13:00 – North West Flames vs Zambezi Eagles
• 15:00 – Golden Fireballs vs Limpopo Baobabs
• 17:00 – Kingdom Stars vs Kingdom Queens
• 19:00 – Southern Strings vs Eastern Cape Aloes

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh