The Jaguars secured a hard-fought 52-50 win over the Southern Stings in the Telkom League on Wednesday.
After a tough start, the Jaguars staged a remarkable comeback, with their defence shining in the third quarter to set the tone for the rest of the game.
The defensive trio of Jamie van Wyk, Zane Bodenstein, and Lungile Mthembu made crucial turnovers, while Goal Shooter Ine-Marì Venter impressed with 89 per cent shooting accuracy.
Coach Rozanne Matthyse Praises Team's Urgency and Connection
"We're happy with the win, but we're still working towards our goal. Our process is about building momentum and today was a great step forward. The team's urgency on attack and connection between players were impressive," Matthyse said.
Southern Stings coach Dr. Freda Kemp acknowledged that her team is still finding their footing but praised their progress. "We're still figuring out our combinations, but I'm proud of the team's progress. We need to minimise mistakes and learn to flow through our gameplay."
VICTORY FOR BABY PROTEAS
In an invitational battle, the SPAR Baby Proteas and Zambezi Eagles faced each other. The SPAR Baby Proteas showcased a remarkable performance, concluding with a strong victory by a wide margin.
The match began with the SPAR Baby Proteas leading 19-11 in the first half. However, the opponents mounted a comeback, bringing the score to 31-28 in favour of the South African side by halftime. The third quarter was closely contested, ending with the score tied at 43-43. In the final quarter, the SA U/21 side regained control and secured a convincing victory with a final score of 62-51.
Maria Du Raan was exceptional in the goal shooter position, boasting 100 per cent accuracy. The defensive partnership between Ametisse Bandu and Kiara van Eeden was solid. The Baby Proteas' strong finish and overall performance demonstrate their growing strength as a team. With continued focus on their strategy and teamwork, they look set to make a significant impact in the league.
The rivalry between Crinums' Martha Mosoahle-Samm and Fireballs' Dr. Elsje Jordaan always generates significant interest, and this evening’s encounter was no exception. In the last match of the day, the two coaches, known for their tactical acumen and leadership, brought their A-game to the match, pushing their teams to new heights.
The presence of experienced assistants, Bongi Msomi (former SPAR Protea captain) with Jordaan and Karla Pretorius (former vice captain) with Mosoahle-Samm, added depth and strategic insight to the game.
Notably, the SPAR Baby Proteas head coach, Precious Mthembu, and her assistant coach, Phumza Maweni, are also former Protea players, highlighting the opportunities and growth potential within the TNL for both current and former players.
The match was a closely contested affair, starting with both teams drawing the first quarter 11-11. However, the Fireballs took control from there, dominating the rest of the game. Here's the score breakdown: Q1: 11-11, Q2: 28-22 (Fireballs leading by 6) and Q3: 38-35 (Fireballs leading by 3).
The Fireballs' strong performance in the second, third, and fourth quarters ultimately secured their victory. Their ability to maintain momentum and outscore the Crinums in the later stages of the game was crucial to their win.
In other games that were played earlier in the day.
Tshukudu continued their winning streak, dominating Diamonds with a convincing 70-36 victory. This marks their third consecutive win under the guidance of new head coach Vivian Foko, showcasing an impressive start to the tournament.
Sonoblomo secured a nail-biting 46-44 win over Lillies, while the Sunbirds thrashed Comets 57-30 in a one-sided match.
As the competition heats up, fans can expect more thrilling matches at Sun City from this TNL Power Week 1.
Matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 channel 209.
RESULTS:
Tshukudu 70-36 Diamonds
Zambezi Eagles 49-47 Aloes
Sonoblomo 46-44 Lillies
Comets 30-57 Sunbirds
Jaguars 52-50 Stings
KD Stars 46-37 Tornados
SPAR Baby Proteas 62-51 Zambezi Eagles
Flames 64-38 Baobabs
Tshukudu 53-37 KD Queens
Crinums 45-50 Fireballs