The Western Cape Tornados are hoping that 2023 is the year that they reach the top of the Telkom Netball League. The Cape side was not one of the first teams when the league was established in 2014 but they were the first additions when Netball South Africa started expanding the tournament. Since they arrived in the league in 2020, the Cape side has finished on the podium and they hope after three tries to get to the top, this should be the year they get the gold medal and hopefully a promotion to the elite division.
The new season kicks off on Freedom Day, 27 April, and the first power week will run until 1 May at the Ngoako Ramahlodi Sports Complex in Seshego, Polokwane.
Goal shooter Liandre Schoeman believes the team has what it takes to finally clinch the gold medal and get the promotion to Division 1.
“I think this year everyone is hungry for Division A. In 2021 we came second and in 2022 we came third, we are hungry for a place in Division A. What we are going to do differently this year is enjoy every moment. I think last year we put too much pressure on ourselves because we were second in 2021. The goal for this year is to go the A Division,” says Schoeman.
The Tornados always had a hard time against the Eastern Cape Aloes who have now been promoted to Division 1 of the league. This leaves the lower segment open for the Cape side to exploit, however, that won’t be easy as the Mpumalanga Sunbirds had a stellar season last year and may be back to continue where they left off.
There is also the threat of the new teams in Division Two this season. The league now has 15 teams following the introduction of the Free State Sonoblomo and the Limpopo Lilies
“I think it will make things easier for us but we also have to keep in mind that there are two new teams. Nobody knows how they play and nobody has seen them play so we have to keep that in mind. Teams have changed so much this year that we can’t underestimate any team. So in one manner, it will be easier for us mentally but it’s not going to be an easy year. I think we are definitely the team to watch and people have been saying this for a few years. We have a new coach, we have a new team, and a lot of youngsters coming in, so definitely we are the team to watch,” she says.
Among other changes in the team this year, Freda Kemp, who had been the team’s assistant coach has been appointed as the head coach for this season.
“Change is a good thing, they always say that. I definitely believe that this is an awesome thing, this is a good thing. I mean we have been kind of the same over the past few years. Something needed to change for us to maybe go to the A Division, new blood is good and this also forces us, who have been playing for a few years, to play harder, to ensure we are kept in that position. I think that ensures that the competition is going to be good and we are going to be playing good netball because we want to ensure our starting line-up. We have got an excellent coach,” she explains.
League title sponsor, Telkom, extended their relationship with Netball South Africa for a further three years. Schoeman stresses the importance of corporate companies coming on board and sponsoring the sport so that players can become fulltime professionals like the players who compete in the United Kingdoms, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Without financial support we just do it as a hobby, having that financial support ensures that we can take leave from work and be able to go play for a week or two. I mean, without it some people have to take leave without pay, for us to have a future in netball, where we can play professionally, we need companies to back us. We need Telkom, we need all our sponsors to help us to have a league like the Australians, like England where they can play netball 24/7 with pay. They don’t have to work, they have a salary from it. That is where we would like to reach. We can’t do it without Telkom, I know a lot of players wouldn’t be able to without the financial support.
“I think the only way we can ensure that more companies invest in our sport is we perform. If our social media grows and if we make a fuss, companies will invest. They are already looking, they are seeing Telkom is everywhere. It’s our responsibility as players as well to make a big fuss about it. The more we perform, the more people are going to invest in us,” she says.