CUT debut season a privilege for rising Proteas star Karla Victor

It’s been a baptism of fire for CUT in their debut season, but the lessons they’ve learned so far in Varsity Netball 2026 are bearing fruit.

During the second bumper weekend (30-31 August) at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein, they scored their first victory, beating Madibaz  41-36. In the weekend’s other match, against UP-Tuks, the newcomers kept within touching distance during the first 30 minutes, before the former champions walked away with a 59-45 victory.

Captain Karla Victor, a rising Protea star who previously represented UFS Kovsies, acknowledges that being part of the competition is a massive privilege for the team.

“It’s CUT’s first time competing in Varsity Netball, and what a privilege it is,” says Victor, who made her senior national debut at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“We’ve been working incredibly hard to get this opportunity, and to compete against the best universities in South Africa is just amazing. We know it’s not going to be an easy competition, but we’re not here just to participate.

“We’re here to compete and to show the other universities that CUT is now on the map and that we can really put up a fight.”

Victor admitted that the opening weekend in Coetzenburg was a tough introduction to Varsity Netball, but believes the experience will stand the team in good stead as they continue to learn and improve with every game.

“I’m really proud of the girls, especially after our first bumper week. We played Wits in our opening game and, unfortunately, lost, but the growth the team has shown from where we started to where we are now has been amazing.

“The game against UJ was also a big learning experience. Although the scoreline was tough, those are the games we need, especially for our younger players, to understand the pressure and what it takes to compete at that level.

“If you want to be the best, you have to compete against the best.”

While the Callie Human Hall may not have been CUT’s traditional home turf, playing at the iconic Bloemfontein venue during the second bumper weekend was exciting, according to Victor.

“We’re a very young team … There’s something special about playing in front of your own supporters, and hopefully we can use that energy on court … Pressure is a privilege.”