The 37-year-old will lead the four-time champions into battle against the Eastern Cape Aloes in their opening match, with the team eager to make an early statement and start their campaign on a high.

Pretorius did not take to the court last year, but she remained involved from the sidelines as part of the management team while taking a well-deserved break from playing.

Karla Pretorius in action during the Telkom Netball League. Photo: Netball SA

The Crinums finished as runners-up in 2025 after falling to the Golden Fireballs in the final, and fate has lined up an immediate opportunity for redemption, with the two sides set to meet again in round two on Saturday. That defeat still lingers, and the team’s preparation has been fuelled by a desire to come back stronger and reclaim the title.

After a hiatus of more than a year, Pretorius told OFM Sport the road back hasn’t been easy, but she is ready and raring to go as they look to right the wrongs of the past.

“It’s that time of the year again as we head into the first round of the Telkom Netball League,” said Pretorius.

“We’re very satisfied with our preparation and are really looking forward to taking on the competition. It’s no secret that we want to go all the way and lift the trophy at the end, and that’s how we’ve approached our preparation.

“From my side, I’m just really excited and grateful to be back in the team and representing the Free State in the TNL. I took a bit of a break last year to recharge, but it was always my intention to return to court.

“It did me well, and although it’s been one of the toughest preparations for me personally, I’m very satisfied, and I believe it will contribute to what I can still offer the Free State Crinums.

The Free State Crinums after winning the 2024 Telkom Netball League. Photo: Netball SA

“As you get older, you definitely appreciate everything more, and you become more intentional with how you prepare and how you approach a competitive league like this.”

The Crinums boast an exciting squad this season, packed with young talent, and the responsibility will fall on experienced campaigners like Pretorius to lead from the front – a role she clearly relishes.

“We’ve got a really good group this year – a great blend of youth and experience,” she added.

“I think our point of difference is our depth. In the past, you could more or less predict the starting seven, but now we’ve got a squad of 12 where anyone can step onto the court and do the job.

“That’s something we may have lacked last year, but it’s a real strength for us now.

“We’re very excited and fired up for the first round. We can’t wait to take on the Aloes in our opening match, and then we’re up against last year’s winners, the Fireballs. We’re up for the challenge and really looking forward to it.”

Friday’s clash between the Crinums and Aloes at the Durban University of Technology gets underway at 19:00, while Saturday’s rematch of last season’s final will also tip off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm