Dr Karabo Semenya
The City of Johannesburg is gearing up to host the prestigious Telkom Netball League (TNL), taking place from 26 April to 19 May 2024 at the iconic Standard Bank Arena. The league officially unveiled its new season with a launch event yesterday, 11 April 2024, announcing the 16 teams vying for glory in this highly anticipated competition. Joburg Embraces Netball In his opening address, Councillor Lubabalo Magwentshu, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, declared Johannesburg the official “home of netball” in South Africa. This declaration underscores the city’s commitment to women’s sport, further solidified by the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the City of Johannesburg and Netball South Africa. “We advocate for equal pay, sponsorships, endorsements, and media exposure for female athletes,” stated MMC Magwentshu. “Together with the Gauteng Provincial Government, we stand firm in our commitment to supporting netball.”
Collaboration for Growth
The close collaboration between the City of Johannesburg, the Gauteng Provincial Government, and Netball South Africa signifies a powerful commitment to nurturing and promoting women’s sports.
With a focus on equal opportunities, support, and recognition for female players, the TNL strives to be more than just a competition.
It aims to be a platform for unearthing future talent for the national team, the SPAR Proteas.
This isn’t your average netball event; it’s a grand spectacle showcasing the crème de la crème of provincial teams battling for ultimate glory.
Every match, every move, carries immense weight as players strive to make their mark under the watchful eyes of scouts.
The competition promises to be nothing short of electrifying, with the potential to discover the next generation of Proteas stars who will shine brightly on the international stage.
A League on the Rise
The TNL commenced its journey in 2017 with 10 teams representing all nine South African provinces.
Over the years, the tournament has witnessed remarkable growth and development, expanding to accommodate 16 teams this season.
This impressive milestone is a true testament to the dedication and accomplishments of Netball South Africa in propelling the sport forward.
The Teams are,
1. Limpopo, Baobabs
2. Limpopo, Lilies
3. Free State, Crinums
4. Free State, Sonobomo
5. Northern Cape, Diamonds
6. Gauteng South, Fireballs
7. Gauteng North, Jaguars
8. Mpumalanga, Sunbirds
9. Western Cape, Stings
10. Western Cape, Tornados
11. KwaZulu-Natal, Kingdom Stars
12. KwaZulu-Natal, Kingdom Queens
13. Eastern Cape, Aloes
14. Eastern Cape, Comets
15. North-West, Flames
16. North -West, Tsukudu.
All 16 Teams are set to gather in Johannesburg, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement for what promises to be an exhilarating league.
It is within this gathering of Teams that the future Proteas, the pride of the nation, will emerge and display their exceptional talents.
In appreciating the impact of TNL, coach Jenny Van Wyk said, “I have loved TNL. It has assisted to create sustainability of the product. Now we have players that prepare for the whole year because the TNL is going to happen.”
This gives players assurance and consistency to keep on playing.
The City of Johannesburg is urging all individuals to come together and show their support for women in sports, particularly in the realm of netball.
It is essential for the community to unite in championing the cause of female athletes and promoting gender equality within the sporting world.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
