From Varsity Netball to the Proteas: Juanita van Tonder's final chapter with Madibaz

Juanita van Tonder’s fifth Varsity Netball campaign with her beloved Madibaz is about much more than one final tournament.

Varsity Netball 2026 is the closing chapter of a five-year journey that has taken her from a bashful youngster finding her feet at university to a confident competitor who became a Proteas player.

The 24-year-old from Gqeberha admits the emotions are running high ahead of her final tournament.

“It’s such a bittersweet moment. There have been so many good things, as well as some lows, but I am grateful for every moment. Sometimes I look back and wonder where the time went because I still feel like I’m 21 and in my second year. It’s crazy.”

Van Tonder’s association with Madibaz began even before she started her studies at Nelson Mandela University.

She joined the squad as a training partner during her Grade 11 year, which gave her a taste of the intensity and demands of university netball.

As far as her Varsity Netball career is concerned, she only missed the 2024 season.

Van Tonder started as a goal shooter but had moved into defence by the time she ran out for Framesby High. That transition proved pivotal.

At Madibaz, she continued developing defensively under the guidance of coaches Lana Krige and Jeanie Steyn.

“They are so much more than just netball coaches. They have taught me so many life skills and still do.”

Krige taught netball but her impact was “so much bigger than that”.

“It is about the person and the life you create for yourself while playing, and what you are going to do when you finish.”

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Tickets HERE.