The Northern Cape Diamonds secure their first win in this year’s Telkom Netball League (TNL) by beating the Free State Sonoblomo 51 – 47.
In this match on Friday, 2 May, Diamonds captain Andiswa Dlamini, who is also the goal attack, was announced as Player of the Match.
Earlier, team manager Pulane Mokoena says the Northern Cape Diamonds will be focusing on getting their shooting targets after loosing the first four matches played. With this, good team work, and a strong attacking side, the Diamonds aim to turn things around.
The TNL commences on Saturday, 26 April, at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West, with the Diamonds competing in division 2.
They lost their first match 33 – 54 against the Western Cape Tornados on Saturday, 26 April. On Sunday, they were defeated 27 – 53 against the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Kingdom Stars. On Monday, they experienced a close lost of 36 – 38 against the Limpopo Lilies. In this match, Diamond centre Senestie Ponie was announced as player of the match.
On Thursday, 1 May, they faced the Eastern Cape Comets and lost 32 – 39.
This year, the Diamonds compete with eight new players. Developing young talent remains a main focus area, with traveling for training sessions within the vast Northern Cape a constant challenge.
The TNL is held over three power weeks, with the first week ending on Sunday. The last two matches of the Diamonds for power week one will be on Saturday against the Mpumalanga Sunbirds, and on Sunday against the KZN Kingdom Queens.
The second power week is from 13 to 17 June, with the last power week 14 to 20 July.
This year, South Africa’s U21 team and an invitational side from Zimbabwe also take part. Mari du Raan, former learner of the Diamantveld High School in Kimberley, was included. The U21’s participation is part of their preparation for the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar during September.
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