Strong team culture contributed to Gauteng Golden Fireballs' dominance at TNL
The team faced challenges, including injuries and strategic adjustments, but maintained their composure.
Golden Fireballs crowned 2025 Telkom Netball League champions. Picture: Supplied.
JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Golden Fireballs, guided by coaches Dr. Elsje Jordaan and Bongi Msomi, emerged unbeaten champions in the 2025 Telkom Netball League.
The team faced challenges, including injuries and strategic adjustments, but maintained their composure.
Taking down defending champions, the Free State Crinums 47-40 to raise the 2025 Telkom Netball League trophy at the Durban International Convention Centre in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday.
"You know, to go unbeaten through the season is just amazing. You know what the players did? And what's even more exciting is that all 12 players, actually 13. We sadly lost to Tumi ( Mahloko ) along the way, but all 13 of them contributed to this result and great effort from our management and the players, and it was just your honour to be part of it,” said Jordaan.
The team's success is attributed to a strong team culture, strategic planning, and the contributions of all 13 players.
“You know, we're not a team of just seven players with fill-ins here and there. And myself and Bongi when it came down to team selection, it was important for us that we would have options that we can counter any game plan that comes up against us. We were so blessed with so much great talent, and that makes a job for a coach so much easier,” said Jordaan.
Coach Jordan said the dynamic between her and former Proteas netball captain Bongi Msomi, the long-standing relationship and the former Proteas captains' playing experience and understanding of the game are seen as valuable assets to the team.
“You know, my relationship with Bongi started first as a coach-player, and then it grew into a coach-Captain relationship, and now it's a coach-coach relationship. And you know, we've both stayed in South Africa, so our connection with the game is much deeper. We love the game, and we care so much for South Africa, so we share that, and then off. We are great friends. You know, we spend a lot of time together. We have great respect for one another, but Bongi brings a lot of insight. She's played overseas. She understands the game internationally, what it takes.”
For more, listen to the interview below: