Maties determined to establish themselves as a formidable force in Varsity Netball 2025

Maties Netball head coach Sasha-Lee Petersen believes her side has invested tremendous effort and hard work in their preparation for the Varsity Netball 2025 campaign. The Cape Winelands outfit will be tested as the tournament’s bumper-to-bumper fixtures get underway this weekend at the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch.

Petersen expressed confidence in her youthful squad, emphasizing that despite their age and relative inexperience, they possess the talent, energy, and determination to establish themselves as a formidable force to be reckoned with throughout the season.

“The team is looking really good and well prepared, and we've got quite a young and strong team with some new faces who are bringing fresh energy to the court,” said Petersen.

“The group has had an incredible work ethic over the last few weeks, and the chemistry among the players is building with every practice. Everyone is excited, motivated and ready to bring it in this campaign.”

Petersen highlighted that the team’s preparation has been nothing short of excellent, describing it as both intense and highly focused.

She explained that the players have been putting in consistent hard work, not only sharpening their technical and tactical skills but also placing strong emphasis on building cohesion and strengthening their overall unity as a team.

“My coaching staff has done a brilliant job working on our strengths and areas we can improve on,” she said.

“We've had really good matches and training over the last few weeks. As a first-time coach, going into this competition with a whole new team, if I compare it to USSA a month and a half ago we definitely went back to the drawing board.

“We hope to improve on our synergy in the team and more disciplined play to minimise unforced errors and maximise our scoring opportunities.”

With Maties determined to push for the top spot in this year’s campaign, Petersen reflected on the team’s goals for the season, emphasizing that their ultimate aim is to achieve success they can proudly give back to Stellenbosch University.

“You're going to see a more cohesive and confident Maties team. Expect to see a team that fights for every single ball and never gives up,” she adds.

“That's the ultimate goal and it's what we have been working toward every single day. We know the competition will be tough, but we believe in our abilities and in each other. We're committed to giving our absolute best and playing the kind of netball that will make our university and all our supporters and loved ones proud.”

Maties squad (subject to change): Hannah Kriel, Michelle van der Merwe, Lara Steenkamp, Catelyne Nelson, Hannah Olivier, Shanidiné Bezuidenhout, Lara Ehlers, Anke Stofberg, Jana Martin, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Juane Maass, Kristen Mc Gregor, Thabisa Yekani, Bianca Odendaal, Surie Kotze, and Chloe Parsadh.

Full fixture list HERE.

More information on tickets HERE. 

by Ayanda Frances Felem