The Crinums beat the six-time champions, the Gauteng Jaguars, with a convincing 59–39 win at the Superbowl, in what is South Africa’s premier netball competition.

Their campaign started strongly on Saturday with a 58–46 win over the Baby Proteas, followed by a dominant 68–34 victory against the Limpopo Baobabs on Sunday – giving them back-to-back wins. Then, on Monday, they delivered another powerful performance with their young and refreshed squad to stun their long-time rivals.

Martha Mosoahle-Samm. Photo: NSA

Meanwhile, in Division 2, the Free State Sonoblomo got off to a slower start, losing two of their first three games over the long weekend.

The Mpumalanga Sunbirds beat Sonoblomo 52–45 in the TNL’s opening match, while on Monday, the Kingdom Queens claimed a 59–47 win against the Bloemfontein-based team. Sonoblomo did, however, manage to pick up their first win in a nail-biting encounter, edging the Eastern Cape Comets 48–47.

Speaking to OFM Sport, coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm said the team is in a good space, and for them there is not pressure as defending champions, but they rather see it as a privilege.

“We are definitely looking forward to a great season this year,” said Mosoahle-Samm.

“We’re very excited to be the defending champions, and that doesn’t put any pressure on us at all. Instead, it gives us an advantage knowing we’ve done it before – and there’s every possibility we can do it again.

Xandri Fourie. Photo: NSA

“It’s a privilege to hold the title, and I think it brings us more joy than pressure, knowing every team will be coming at us with everything they’ve got. But we’re ready.

“There are going to be some thrilling games ahead, and the tournament will be a long one – but it’s up to us to keep our heads high and take it one game at a time. So yes, we’re really looking forward to a fantastic season.”

The Crinums are set to face the Eastern Cape Aloes this afternoon at 17:00.

Monday Results:

Limpopo Lilies 38–36 Northern Cape Diamonds

Zambezi Eagles (Zimbabwe) 56–48 Limpopo Baobabs

Kingdom Queens 59–47 Free State Sonoblomo

Mpumalanga Sunbirds 38–45 Western Cape Tornados

Baby Proteas 54–47 Eastern Cape Aloes

Golden Fireballs 63–42 Southern Stings

Eastern Cape Comets 31–48 Kingdom Stars

Free State Crinums 59–38 Gauteng Jaguars

Tuesday Fixtures:

7:00 - Eastern Cape Comets vs Limpopo Lilies

7:00 - Kingdom Stars vs Free State Sonoblomo

9:00 - Gauteng Jaguars vs Baby Proteas

11:00 - Mpumalanga Sunbirds vs North West Tshukudu

13:00 - Southern Stings vs North West Flames

15:00 - Kingdom Queens vs Eastern Cape Comets

17:00 - Eastern Cape Aloes vs Free State Crinums

17:00 - Baby Proteas vs Limpopo Baobabs

19:00 - Gauteng Jaguars vs Zambezi Eagles

19:00 - Limpopo Lilies vs Western Cape Tornados

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg