Pretoria- The Brutal Fruit netball Premier Cup is currently underway at the Pretoria University Rembrandt hall in Gauteng Province.

The highly anticipated premier league incorporates 10 teams from all nine Provinces in South Africa and will be played over five weeks.

The idea of forming a National Professional League, similar to the professional soccer league, was pioneered by Minister of Sport and Recreation Mr Fikile Mbalula in 2012, as part of his programme to get more women involved in sport.

The first week of the tournament saw the North West flames playing two games, which saw them winning 38-37 against Free State Crinums and losing 48-47 against GP Jaguars.

The flames will face more opponents such as the Eastern Aloes and the Golden Fireballs over the weekend and are currently in training with the intention of winning both games.

Speaking at the launch of the North West Flames which were held at Potch on May Day, the Head of Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Mme Desiree Tlhoaele congratulated the Team in their selection and offered them support. “You should be passionate about netball as a sport and honour the game win or lose” said Mme Desiree Tlhoaele.

“These games will give girls across the country especially from previously disadvantaged areas to play netball as a professional sport” said MEC for Sport Arts and Culture Mme Tebogo Modise.

She urged the people to rally behind the team as they are carrying the hopes of the province on their shoulders.-TDN
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