The championship decider lived up to expectations, with both sides producing a highly competitive contest that remained evenly balanced throughout. Neither team was able to establish a decisive advantage, setting the stage for a tense finish.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the Tornados, who held their nerve under pressure to secure the title after a strong campaign. Kingdom Queens, meanwhile, pushed the eventual champions all the way and were left narrowly short despite a spirited performance.
Speaking after the match, Tornados coach Lucy Twani praised her team’s resilience and the quality of the final.
“Queens came out guns blazing and that’s how a final should be played. It was ball-for-ball every quarter and completely unpredictable. There were moments where we struggled to connect, but the players found each other and fought until the final minute,” she said.
Stings Claim Division One Bronze
Southern Stings secured the Division One bronze medal with a 55-45 victory over Gauteng Jaguars.
The result saw the Stings finish their campaign on a high, while the Jaguars recorded their lowest finish since the inception of the National League in 2014. The Gauteng side, which featured in every final between 2014 and 2024, were unable to secure a podium finish after settling for fourth place.
Sonoblomo Secure Historic Bronze
Sonoblomo claimed the Division Two bronze medal after defeating Limpopo Baobabs 62-44.
The result represents the team’s best finish since joining the competition in 2023 and highlights their continued progress in the national competition. The Baobabs concluded their campaign in fourth place after an impressive season that included several notable performances during the round-robin phase.
Division Two Individual Awards
The outstanding performances throughout the season were recognised with the following individual awards:
Best Shooter: Aphiwe Thusini (Kingdom Queens)
Best Midcourt Player: Lara Ehlers (Western Cape Tornados)
Best Defender: Asemahle Dyidi (Western Cape Tornados)
