Kovsies chase record sixth title in Varsity Netball 2025 final against NWU

The stage is set and for UFS Kovsies it is as big as it gets – the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein on Monday 29 September (19:00) when they take on NWU in the final of Varsity Netball 2025. And the players and coaches of the defending champions say they are ready.

Assistant coach and Protea star Karla Pretorius believes consistency will be key.

“We plan to focus on our game plan and execute it as consistently as possible. The fact that we were successful in a tough semi-final (against Maties, 46-35) give us confidence, and a home crowd feels like having an eighth player on court.”

Kovsies will need everything on their side to stop NWU, who swept aside UJ 58–28 in their semi-final. A record five titles and the advantage of yet another home final in a packed Callie Human Hall however count in their favour.

Kovsies’ only defeat this year was in the first bumper weekend, against UJ (50-53), something that goal shooter Mari du Raan acknowledges count in their favour.

“We’ve had a really good tournament, one of the few teams to stay consistent throughout, and that’s been a building block for us. Every moment at Callie Human is special, but when we won the semi-final and I saw what it meant to every player, that was unforgettable. Now we’re mentally ready for NWU’s defence, and we’ll make sure every shot sinks.”

Defensive star Liame de Lange, who has collected multiple player of the match awards, says the team’s growth has been “impeccable” over the season.

“The fourth quarter of the semi-final was huge for us, we tightened our defence and stayed composed under pressure. That composure will be vital on Monday against NWU. We want to disrupt their flow defensively and stay calm on attack. Most importantly, we trust in God for strength to play with our hearts.”

Get tickets to the final HERE.

by Jürgen Smith