Defending Telkom Netball League champions Free State Crinums will be stepping into the new season a different team.
The Martha Mosoahle-Samm led team is confident that the changes will not hinder the team in their quest to defend their title.
The Crinums have won four titles in the competition, just two behind formidable adversaries, the Gauteng Jaguars who have engraved their name on the trophy six times since the inception of the tournament in 2014.
2019 Netball World Cup Player of the Tournament Karla Pretorius will not feature for the Mangaung side this season.
Pretorius had returned to the team last year after spending a couple of seasons in Australia with the Sunshine Coast Lightning team in the Suncorp Super Netball League.
The Spar Proteas vice-captain played a vital role in leading the Crinums to their fourth TNL title.
The 2025 edition will kick off with the first power week set for 26 April to 4 May.
'YOUNGSTERS STEPPING UP'
Coach Mosoahle-Samm says although the team has changed, she is confident of a fruitful season.
“It has changed quite a lot. We have lost our captain, Karla. She will not be part of the Crinums team this year. You know how much of a big role she played in us lifting the trophy and leading the team. We also lost our No 1 goal shooter, Alyssa Trahms, but it is exciting because we had a couple of youngsters (coming into the team.)
“I wouldn’t say (the change) affects us a lot but obviously every change does have pros and cons. When the old players have to leave the team, you get the opportunity to work with the new ones and get to look at other talent. I am quite excited to say that 2025 will bring a couple of really good youngsters who raised their hands and said ‘we want to wear the Crinums dress and we are ready for it.’ It is quite exciting to see that even when the senior players step down, we have a continuation where youngsters just step into their roles,” says Mosoahle-Samm.
As the national Under-21 sides continues to prepare for the Netball World Youth, the Crinums will also be without midcourt whizz Karla Victor.
The Baby Proteas will play in the TNL as part of their preparation for the global competition set for 19 to 28 September in Gibraltar.
“Over and above the other players I have lost, Karla is also one of the players who will not be playing for the Crinums. We are very proud and happy for her. She will probably play against us, representing the Baby Proteas as they prepare for Gibraltar,” she explains.
'CAST THE NET WIDE TO INCREASE COMPETITION'
The national Fast5 coach says she understands defending their title successfully won’t be easy however they are not willing to let go of the trophy.
“Once you lay your hands on that trophy, you don’t want to let go of it. We are going to do whatever it takes to retain the title, being aware that it is not going to be easy. I think every team comes prepared to the TNL. We are quite aware that it is going to be a tough one,” she says.
Mosoahle-Samm has promoted two players from the province’s second-tier team.
The Free State Sonoblomo will be without Thato Mokhatle and Sizeka Adoons. The duo will taste the elite division of the league.
The coach has stressed the importance of casting the net wide in the province and elevating players to the Crinums to create more competition.
“It is important for everybody to know that Sonoblomo is the feeder to the Crinums. It is important for us to make sure that Sonoblomo performs well and that players are managed properly because we will be looking to the team for players. I am proud to say we have two players coming from there. I have been eyeing and monitoring them throughout, making sure I manage them off-season. I am proud to say we have two players from the team,” she says.
This year’s TNL will not be held in Gauteng, the North West, KwaZulu Natal, and Free State will have the opportunity to host the competition.
Mosoahle-Samm says taking the competition around the country is great for the growth of the sport and will inspire the next generation of players.
“It is quite important. I think South Africa is a netball-loving nation and it will give other provinces the opportunity to support their teams. When it is only in Gauteng, only the two teams (Jaguars and Gauteng Golden Fireballs) are benefiting and it is quite difficult for the other teams to do well with the lack of support of their own supporters. It is good that it will rotate also for the growth of the game. The other provinces come out in numbers to support because they are not used to such events. It is also a big deal for the up and coming players to see their role models playing in front of them,” she adds.