When you scan the Southern Stings roster for the 2025 Telkom Netball League, one word comes to mind: stacked. From powerhouse defenders to midcourt maestros and explosive shooters, this team reads like a who’s who of South African netball excellence. Under the guidance of the highly respected Dr. Freda Kemp — a coach with a PhD in sport, with a focus on netball — the Stings should be a dominant force.
On paper, they’re title favourites.
On court? They’re struggling. And after a recent loss to the rising Zambezi Eagles — a spirited Zimbabwean invitational side blending U19, U21 and senior players — the spotlight on the Stings’ struggles is growing brighter.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t a fluke win for the Eagles. They’ve been growing in confidence and quality with each game, earning respect from every opponent they face. Their fearless style, court craft, and unity make them a serious threat — not just a feel-good story, but a team on the rise. That said, for a powerhouse like the Stings, losing to a relatively new side still raises tough questions.
What is going on with the Stings?
Just like the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the 2024 Super Netball season, the Stings are the perfect example of how a team can be full of talent yet fall flat when it comes to cohesion. It’s not about individual brilliance — they have that. It’s about chemistry, synergy, the little moments of unselfish play that turn great individuals into a great team.
Right now, they’re not gelling.
Here’s what might be going wrong:
1. Leadership Overload
With multiple on-court leaders, decision-making becomes muddy. Who steps up in clutch moments? Who anchors the team emotionally? Sometimes, too many alphas can lead to uncertainty rather than dominance.
2. A Disconnect in Game Plan
Even the best coach needs players to buy into the system. Are they aligned with Dr. Kemp’s vision? Or are they each trying to do what they’ve always done, hoping it works together?
3. Pressure to Perform
Expectations can crush a team faster than a poor warm-up. The weight of their names, their history, their reputation — it’s heavy. And it shows in their body language: confused looks, frustration, silence.
4. No Glue Player
Superstars make headlines, but glue players win matches. The Stings might be missing that unassuming workhorse who reads the game, calms the chaos, and brings everyone together.
5. Lack of Respect for the Underdog?
Maybe it’s not just pressure — maybe it’s preparation. The Eagles came out hungry, organised, and ready to fight. If the Stings underestimated them, that mistake was costly. In the TNL, there are no easy games anymore.
Whatever the issue, one thing is clear: South African netball fans are watching, puzzled. This is a team that should be soaring, yet they’re stuck in turbulence.
The talent is there. The coaching brainpower is there. But until the Stings become one unit, their thunder will stay silent — and rising teams like the Zambezi Eagles will continue to make the most noise.