Joburg giants eye home-court advantage as TNL Power Week 2 raises the stakes

The race for early Telkom Netball League supremacy shifts to Johannesburg this weekend, where Gauteng’s two powerhouse franchises will look to use home-court advantage to reel in the competition-leading Crinums at Power Week 2.

After an entertaining opening block of fixtures in Durban, the TNL moves to Ellis Park Arena from Friday for 10 days of high-intensity netball that could begin to shape the title race in both divisions.

Martha Mosoahle-Samm's unbeaten Crinums arrive in Johannesburg with momentum and confidence after a commanding Power Week 1 campaign. But the pressure now shifts to the Free State side as they enter the backyard of defending champions the Golden Fireballs and six-time title winners the Jaguars.

For the Fireballs, the challenge is clear. Last season’s champions showed flashes of their quality in Durban, but consistency will become increasingly important as the season progresses and the chasing pack tightens. Returning to Gauteng could provide the spark Elsje Jordaan’s side needs, with Ellis Park expected to attract strong local support for one of South African netball’s most successful modern franchises.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, remain one of the league’s benchmark teams despite surrendering the title in recent seasons. With six championships to their name, they understand better than most how to navigate the demands of a long TNL campaign. Power Week 2 presents an opportunity for Rozanne Matthyse's side to build momentum and apply pressure on the early pacesetters.

The opportunity to lay down a marker at home comes as early as Saturday, when the Fireballs face a Flames team that stunned them 50-49 in the opening round, while the Jaguars take on the Crinums in a clash between the top two teams from Power Week 1. The Free State side ran out comfortable 56-36 victors in their first meeting, and the Jaguars will be eager for revenge on home soil.

Durban’s opening week already showed how little separates the top Division 1 teams this season. Close contests, tactical adjustments and standout individual performances underlined the growing competitiveness of the league.

Coaches will now arrive in Johannesburg armed with fresh analysis and revised game plans after studying opponents throughout Power Week 1. That could make the second block of fixtures even more intense as teams attempt to exploit weaknesses and establish themselves as genuine title contenders.

Division 2 is also expected to produce fierce competition, with promotion hopefuls and emerging talent continuing to push for recognition. The unbeaten Tornadoes are the early pacesetters, with the Kingdom Queens not far behind.

Adding further intrigue to the Division 1 competition is the arrival of the Zambezi Eagles, who join an already competitive field and offer supporters fresh match-ups during the Johannesburg leg.

With the Crinums unbeaten, the Fireballs defending their crown, and the Jaguars chasing a return to the summit, Power Week 2 could prove to be one of the defining stretches of the 2026 TNL season.