High stakes in this season’s Telkom Netball League - Bongi Msomi

The tournament, which kicks off tomorrow at the Ngoako Ramahlodi Sports Complex in Seshego in Polokwane, is the last competition before the final 12-woman squad for the 2023 Netball World Cup is announced.

Msomi, who lines up for defending champions Gauteng Golden Fireballs, says every minute on the court in this competition could potentially decide players’ fates for the upcoming World Cup in July.

"I don't think the [most] important thing this year is to go and win the TNL trophy only, it's to physically, on your own as a player – especially for myself, put in great performances from day one until the end of TNL," said Msomi.

"And that alone will just tell me if I'm ready for the World Cup or not because you cannot have a bad TNL and then wait to prepare later on. 

"So, before we even get into a team aspect in what our goals are, personally, I want to stay a fresh Bongiwe like I've never been because that's what I deserve and that's what this country deserves. That will probably be the first step heading into the World Cup."

The TNL has the potential to either make one’s World Cup dream come true or potentially crush it before it even begins, but the 35-year-old centre prefers to explore alternative ‘what ifs’.

"Going into the World Cup year, the first thing on your mind is, 'God, please, no injuries.' But you cannot [think that way] because injuries happen anyway," she added.

"So, you can't keep thinking, 'What if I get injured in TNL?' What if you actually get match fit? What if you become an even better player after TNL? So, you always [have to] look at it in a positive way rather than negative."