In a bittersweet twist of fate, when Refiloe Nketsa stepped onto the court to open the 2025 Telkom Netball League season on one side stood her Free State Crinums, the defending champions she now leads with grace and grit.
On the other, the SPAR Baby Proteas, a team that once carried her dreams, and in many ways, launched her journey. The Telkom Netball League commenced today with a jam packed seven fixtures to kickstart the season, the League will continue It was a full-circle moment for the Crinums captain, one layered with emotion, pride, and a powerful sense of responsibility.
“This responsibility is big,” Nketsa admitted, reflecting on captaining the defending champions. “But fortunately, enough, Crinums is a team made up of individual leaders. Everyone knows what they have to do, what is expected of them. Leading such a great team is truly an honor.”
For Nketsa, leadership stretches beyond strategy or tactics; it’s about trust, accountability, and shared goals. “Because we believe in clarity so much, it becomes easier to interact and move forward. Holding each other accountable isn’t about pressure, it’s about reaching our common goals together.”
Facing the SA U21 side, a group she once represented with pride, was not just another match for Nketsa. It was a reminder of the roots that shaped her. “It’s an honor to play against them,” she said warmly. “The U21 team is one of the building blocks for becoming a well-known player in South Africa. Watching how fearlessly they played against us, giving us tough moments, made me so proud. There’s definitely something special growing there, and as South Africans, we should celebrate that.”
Nketsa knows firsthand the importance of platforms like the TNL in shaping young talent. She credits tournaments like these with bridging the once daunting gap between youth and senior netball.
“We’re thankful to Netball South Africa and Telkom for giving us this opportunity. Tournaments like the TNL help juniors get accustomed to the senior level’s intensity and standards. It shortens the learning curve and prepares them for international stages,” she explained.
Among the rising stars, Nketsa’s face lights up when she mentions one name in particular, Karla Victor of the SPAR Baby Proteas.
“She’s from the Free State, and seeing her stepping up, especially playing centre against me, was a real challenge. At times she out moved me, and at times I out moved her. It’s exciting to see that balance, the gap between junior and senior netball closing so beautifully.”
For Refiloe Nketsa, leadership isn’t just about carrying the title of captain. It’s about lifting others, honoring where she came from, and playing her part in ensuring that South African netball’s future burns even brighter.
Free State Crinums won by 58-46 against the SPAR Baby Proteas.
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