NWU Eagles aim to continue title defence when they face Tuks in semi-final

The NWU Eagles will aim to move one step closer to defending their title when they face UP-Tuks in the first semi-final of Varsity Netball 2026 on Monday, 21 September (17:00) at the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria.

The two teams had a close encounter at the start of this year’s competition when the champions walked away with a one-goal victory (60-59) during the first bumper weekend in Stellenbosch.

This time around the focus for the Eagles will be to stay composed, protect possession and deliver a consistent performance for 60 minutes.

Head coach Elsunet du Plessis expects a tough battle against Tuks. She says there is little room for error at this stage of the competition.

“Tuks is a quality side, and we expect a very competitive semi-final. At this stage of the competition, every team is capable of winning on the day.”

She says NWU will focus on its own strengths and execute its game plan under pressure.

“For us, the focus will be on our own performance, staying disciplined, executing our game plan and making good decisions under pressure. We will need to be consistent for the full 60 minutes and make the most of the opportunities we create.”

The Eagles have used lessons from the whole competition to sharpen their preparations for Monday’s knockout encounter against the Stripe Generation.

Du Plessis says the team has shown good form during the competition, but consistency remains vital.

“We have had some very good passages of netball, but consistency throughout the match remains important. We are focusing on looking after possession, being more clinical with our opportunities and maintaining our defensive pressure.”

Captain Vivian Venancio says the players are focused and determined ahead of the semi-final.

“We expect to go out there, play our own game and trust the work we have put in throughout the season. We know what we are capable of, so it’s about staying focused and hopefully coming away with the victory.”

The match will also have a personal edge for Venancio as she faces her sister, Kayla Venancio, who will be wearing a Tuks outfit.

“It’s definitely special competing against my sister, especially in a game of this magnitude, but once I step onto the court, I put the family connection aside because I am here for one job,” she says.

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets HERE.