Kovsies looking to start strong in hunt for 6th Varsity netball title

UFS Kovsies, five-time champions and 2025 runners-up, are determined to make a strong start to their Varsity Netball 2026 campaign.

The Bloemfontein side face bitter rivals UP-Tuks in their opening match at the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch, knowing they will need to hit the ground running if they are to challenge for another title.

Kovsies, however, head into the tournament with plenty of confidence, their impressive coaching set-up bolstered by a wealth of international experience.

The team remains in the capable hands of legendary coach Burta de Kock, while three members of her coaching staff recently represented South Africa at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

De Kock says she is particularly excited about the quality and experience within her coaching staff this season, with Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane joining.

“We’re looking forward to hard work and being blessed with Karla Pretorius as our defensive coach and Sne Moletsane as our attacking coach.

“Both of them were the coaches for (their respective) A and U21 teams at the recent National Netball Championships, so they have all the experience and knowledge that is also in the Varsity Netball group. What a privilege.

“We have an attacking specialist in Khanyisa Chawane, the captain of South Africa. What a blessing. Then we have our Ané Retief and Refilwe Nketsa, as part of our analysis group and coaching staff.”

De Kock believes the combination of experience and youthful talent will give Kovsies a strong platform as they look to navigate what promises to be a competitive tournament.

She also knows that getting their campaign off to a winning start will be crucial, with Tuks and hosts Maties among their early opponents.

“We want to start strong. It’s going to be tough, it’s going to be tough every game.

“We don’t focus on the names. We really want to play the most beautiful netball without being scared or impatient. We will have patience, we will play the ball, and we have brilliant players all over the show.

“We want to be able to play against all types of defenders, as well as brilliant coaching defenders who can counter the attack of other teams.”

UFS Kovsies Provisional Squad:

Bianca Lubbe, Xandri Fourie, Marianne Louw, Elene Vosloo, Elri Groenewald, Janie Visser, Thandolwethu Mokoena, Charné van Vuuren, Mari du Raan, Liame de Lange, Megan Erasmus, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Natasha Watson, Lisa van Vuuren, Siyamthanda Sambo, Misokuhle Bukosini.

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets HERE.