Netball | The Free State Crinums Defy The Odds

Martha Mosoahle – Samm, Free State Crinums Head Coach during her team’s encounter against Gauteng Jaguars during the 2023 TNL Finals at Heartfelt Arena

Photo Cred: Skhu Nkomphela/Thuli Dlamini

The Free State Crinums have achieved a historic victory, clinching the Telkom Netball League (TNL) title for the first time since telecommunications giant Telkom took over as the headline sponsor. This monumental win comes after five years of relentless effort and marks a significant milestone for the Free State team.

 

Under the guidance of Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm, who had previously come close to winning twice, the Crinums displayed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament.

"We have been training for this moment and I am over the moon, super excited that we finally managed to get over the line," said Coach Mosoahle-Samm. "We have been talking about it, dreaming about it, and working towards this moment. The players put their bodies on the line for this one; they needed it so badly; way better than they did last year. I can’t contain myself and it will take a while for it to sink in. My players really showed up for me and for themselves, and as a coach, I can’t fault them. This victory is a big thank you to all the young girls from Free State who have been supporting us since day one."

The Crinums' squad was a diverse mix, featuring players with international experience, national caps from the SPAR Proteas, and juniors who were playing in school competitions just two years ago. This blend of experience and youthful energy was a key factor in their success. "A majority of our players are seniors and will soon consider retirement while others have prospects of playing overseas, and this will leave us with a group of talented young," added Coach Mosoahle-Samm. "The introduction of Telkom Netball Championships (TNC) was a great opportunity for us to identify young players for the squad”.

The recently concluded TNL showcased the depth of talent fostered by the TNC, with 43 players being products of the championship. Additionally, the under-21 national team, the Baby SPAR Proteas, was comprised of players who had participated in the TNC over the past three years.

Netball in South Africa is experiencing significant growth, a testament to the impactful investment by Telkom in the TNL, TNC, and the 2023 Netball World Cup. The Free State Crinums' victory is not only a triumph for the team but also a celebration of the development and future of netball in the country.