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From Lamontville to TNL Champion: Tarle Mathe’s Golden Rise

Born and raised in Lamontville, Durban, Tarle Mathe has gone from a young netball dreamer in KwaZulu-Natal to one of the standout stars of the 2025 Telkom Netball League. Fresh off an undefeated championship run with the Gauteng Golden Fireballs, we caught up with the former Kingdom Stars and Kingdom Queens player to reflect on a season she proudly describes as historical. Golden Fireballs Results

Tarle Mathe © Backpagepix

“My 2025 netball season has been one for the books. Nothing stands out more than a podium finish and a gold medal. Winning the USSA for [University of Johannesburg] UJ — a first in history — and then going into the TNL and finishing unbeaten, that’s historical for me.”

But Mathe's success hasn’t come without obstacles. TNL Log Standings

“I suffered a concussion during the [University Sports South Africa] USSA tournament. That was my toughest challenge this year. Not being able to train properly and still having to give my all in competition really tested me.”

Tarle Mathe © Backpagepix

When asked what advice she has for young girls watching her rise:

“Your dreams are valid. Anything is possible with God and if you believe. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

🎮 Rapid Fire with Tarle:

🏐 Centre pass or interception — what gets you more hyped? Interception

📚 Class at 8AM or training at 6AM — what’s worse? 6 am training

🎶 Current song on repeat in your playlist? Bafoo 10.9 Bukzi

🍕 Cheat meal of choice after a big game? Chilli cheese burger

📱 TikTok, Instagram or Netflix — what’s your guilty pleasure? TikTok any day

Tarle Mathe © Backpagepix

🎒 Who’s the loudest teammate in the Fireballs locker room? Myself 😭😭

🧠 If you weren’t playing netball, what sport would you try? I would be a house wife 😭😂😂

👟 Sneakers or slides? Sneakers

🧋Iced coffee or smoothie after training? None

One word to describe what it feels like repping Gauteng?

🥇 Most competitive teammate — who takes things way too seriously in training? Corry (Cornelia Mupenda)

Gauteng Golden Fireballs © Backpagepix

✨ Dream travel destination when you finally get time off? Maldives

💅 Off-day vibes: Netflix and chill or brunch and shopping? Sleep

🧼 Pre-game ritual you have to do or the game feels off? Eish

🐶 Pets or no pets? If yes, tell us their name! No pets

🔮 If we checked your vision board, what’s one big goal sitting there? Being more closer to God and playing overseas

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