Affies edge Paarl Gim in thriller to open Suzuki Netball Power Series. The first ever Suzuki Netball Power Series encounter was everything it promised to be. Two of South Africa’s best teams, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool of Pretoria (AHMP) and Paarl Gimnasium, faced each other in an exciting encounter in Pretoria in which the result could have gone either way.

Affies kept their unbeaten record so far for 2026 intact by walking from the court victors at 30-27. Both sides are coached by former Protea-players in Yolande Ferreira (AHMP) and Juline van der Merwe (Paarl Gimnasium).The home side came out on top because of their better shooting accuracy during the match with Anzélle Stofberg (goal shooter) and Milan Oberholzer (goal assist) leading the way. Stofberg was named Food Lovers Market Player of the Match for her brilliant performance on the day. The only quarter that Affies did not outperform the visitors in the match was during the second quarter. Paarl Gim scored 10 goals to 7 in the third quarter to take a narrow 16-15 lead at half-time. The hosts took the first quarter by 8-6.

Leruske Rademeyer, wing attack of Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool of Pretoria, in action in her side’s 30-27 victory over Paarl Gimnasium during the first ever Suzuki Netball Power Series match in Pretoria. PHOTO: Hannes Nienaber

In the third quarter Affies took control winning it by 7-4 to take a 22-19 lead. The Gimmies howewer had something to cheer about as Sophia Liebenberg (wing defence) intercepted a pass in this quarter which was announced as the Suzuki Power Moment.Liebenberg was also her side’s best player on the day. So, a well-deserved accolade for her after a stellar performance.

Before the match Gim’s only defeat so far came against Helpmekaar Kollege (15-16) during the annual Menlopark Netball-tournament. They also drew 22-all against Die Hoërskool Menlopark.Affies is still unbeaten after winning their annual Affie Prestige-tournament last month. They defeated Stellenberg by 28-24 in the final of this tournament.The second match of the Suzuki Netball Power Series will take place on Wednesday between Oos-Moot and Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria. This match is also part of Tshwane’s Jubilee League.

The teams:

Affies: Anzélle Stofberg, Lyla Robinson, Milan Oberholzer, Leruske Rademeyer, Luné Strydom, Eleanor van Heerden, Milan Engelbrecht, Amelie van der Merwe, Milla Janse van Rensburg, Giselle Matfield.

Paarl Gimnasium: Anja Smit (kaptein), Daniëlle de Jonge, Miné Smit, Mari Snyman, Kyla Smit, Mieke van Rooyen, Sophia Liebenberg, Nicola van Heerden, Anja Arangies, Eloné Dippenaar.