Kovsies and CUT ready for first-ever Bloem derby in Varsity Netball

Varsity Netball 2026 is fast approaching its business end, and one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the competition awaits in the final round in Pretoria on Monday 14 September.

Five-time champions UFS Kovsies will face newcomers CUT in what will be the first-ever Bloemfontein derby in the competition’s history.

Kovsies and CUT know each other exceptionally well. Their players train, play and compete alongside and against one another at various levels. Both sides are highly competitive and, above all, proud representatives of the Free State.

Kovsies defensive player and vice-captain Reratilwe Letsoalo believes CUT deserve enormous credit for earning their place among the country's elite university teams.

“Firstly, congratulations to CUT. Being able to play Varsity Netball is a great honour. It’s the top eight universities in the country, so that means they are the crème de la crème … I think they know us well, and we know them well too. It will be interesting to see how we go against one another.”

Letsoalo is also under no illusions about how much CUT have grown since making their Varsity Netball debut. The newcomers have gone from strength to strength, showing that they belong on the big stage and refusing to be intimidated by some of the competition's more established teams.

“We’ve watched CUT, and they have a fighting spirit. They’re just growing from strength to strength, so it isn’t going to be easy.”

For Letsoalo, however, the clash is about more than just another fixture. It is a celebration of Free State netball and the talent emerging from the province, she says.

“It’s just Free State people coming together, so you’re going to see how Free State netball plays. We are very excited … and preparations are going really well. We’re just really excited to have Free State netball represented in the Varsity Netball tournament.”

If history is anything to go by, fireworks could be in store. Local pride, bragging rights and a place in the final stages of the competition will all be at stake when these two Free State rivals lock horns.

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets HERE.