Basadi in Action Sports

Free State Crinums captain, Karla Pretorius is one of the most revered defenders in netball. Her ability to think quickly on her feet is always a difference in the defensive circle of her team.  Karla Pretorius  © However, her journey started from the bottom at little league netball where she fell in love with the game, alongside her sister, Tanya von Berg (née Mostert). They played the sport together until university where they both played for the University of the Free State. Netball took her around the world representing South Africa with the Spar Proteas as well as professional clubs in the United Kingdom and Australia.  Pretorius believes she has accomplished all she sought to. “Right now, I see my netball career as complete in the best way.  I’ve achieved what I set out to, and that gives me a real sense of freedom. I step onto court with pride, contentment, and gratitude. There’s nothing to lose, only an opportunity to give everything I have, every single time...

The Telkom Netball League (TNL) returns with Power Week 2 kicking off today at Sun City, and one of the teams looking to make a powerful statement is the Jaguars. After an up-and-down showing in Power Week 1 that saw them finish fourth on the table with three wins and three losses, the team is eager to bounce back—and according to star defender Jamie van Wyk, they are more determined than ever. Jamie Van Wyk  ©  Backpagepix Van Wyk, who received individual recognition for her standout performances in the opening week, remains humble about her accolades. “I am overjoyed with the prizes I received. It always feels good to get some type of reward for the hard work that gets put in,” she said. “Although I received the prizes, it was definitely a team effort.” Reflecting on the Jaguars' performance in the first leg, Van Wyk acknowledged a slow start but was quick to highlight the team’s growth as the week progressed. “We started a bit rocky in the beginning trying to find our ...

All eyes in South African netball turn to Sun Park where Power Week 2 of the Telkom Netball League is set to take place from 13–17 June. The Golden Fireballs, who stormed through Power Week 1 undefeated with six straight wins and a perfect 12 points, return as frontrunners. One of their standout players, Boitumelo Mahloko, who also represents the SPAR Proteas, is determined to keep the momentum burning bright.  Boitumelo Mahloko © backpagepix A League That Builds More Than Skill When asked how her time in the Telkom Netball League has shaped her as both a player and a person, Mahloko didn’t hesitate to express its impact. “The Telkom netball league shaped my growth immensely. To be in such a space with so many talented players makes you really look at always improving your game which ultimately grows me as an individual,” she said. “The game has taught me how to fit in with a team and to think for someone other than yourself and I think that’s a big character to have as a person.” ...