FLOWER FOUNTAIN – Making it impossible to ignore their promotion ambitions, the Free State Sonoblomo are putting in a series of impressive performances in Division 2 of the Telkom Netball League (TNL), catapulting them into serious battle for a place at the top level.
After entering the tournament with mixed results during Power Week 1, the team found huge momentum during Power Week 2 at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg. They went on an impressive four-match winning streak, moving them into second position in the Division 2 standings.
Acting as the Free State’s high-end development side, the Sonoblomo was built with a clear purpose: to serve as a pathway for emerging talent and to ultimately earn a place in the TNL’s prestigious Division 1. That goal never felt more within reach after their stellar run of results during Power Week 2.
Under the astute leadership of head coach Jerminah Nteso, the Sonoblomo turned heads with convincing victories that showcased both their technical prowess and mental strength. They opened their Power Week 2 campaign in dominant fashion, dismantling the Diamonds 53 – 37 on May 22. They followed that up with a hard-fought 51-45 win over the Tshukudu on May 24. Perhaps the most telling performance was the breathtaking 42 – 41 victory over the Kingdom Queens.
The second-tier Free State side currently sit second on 16 points after 14 games played so far, following eight wins and six defeats in a competitive nine-team division across South Africa’s nine provinces. They trail only the Western Cape’s Tornados, who at the time of going to press remained undefeated and also topped the table on 20 points.
Should the Sonoblomo secure promotion, they will join the Free State Crinums in Division 1 – the top tier of the TNL with seven of the best women’s netball teams in the country. Remarkably, the Crinums – still undefeated – lead the Division 1 standings with 16 points. This means that the Free State will soon be able to boast two formidable forces at the highest level of the South African netball competition.
In their final match of Power Week 2 today, May 28, they will take on the Eastern Cape Lilies.
Teboho Setena
novanews.co.za
