Philasande Ntuli aims to lead Wits to Varsity Netball success

Sitting just outside the play-off positions on the log for Varsity Netball 2025, Wits has everything to play for in the last bumper weekend at the Wits Sports Hall in Johannesburg on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 September.

Captain Philasande Ntuli, has made a significant impact this season, using her experience as a national U21 player. It will prove pivotal once again against NWU and UP-Tuks in front of their home crowd if they want to make the semi-finals.

"Representing Wits in blue and gold is such a huge honor and privilege. It is such a great feeling to step on court and know that all the students of this prestigious institution put full trust in my abilities, as well as my teammates," Ntuli said.

She added they knew it wouldn’t be easy with Giada Prinsloo, Luane Smith and Ametisse Bandu who have since left the squad to represent South Africa at the upcoming Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar (19-28 September).

"We knew from day one that we’d lose Bandu, Smith and Prinsloo. We worked together. We know that we have to fight for each other.”

The 20-year-old Ntuli's affinity for sports was nurtured by her sport-loving parents. She started playing netball at the tender age of seven. She admits balancing Varsity Netball with her Bachelor of Social Work studies has its challenges.

"Participating in Varsity Netball has taught me to balance and manage school and sports.”

Looking ahead, Ntuli hopes (for Wits) to make the top four and she also remains ambitious about making history in the national team.

"My goals are to continue pouring into this team as much as they do for me, to be the leader that the team needs each and every day and to make the top four and fight it out.

“My biggest dream is to continue making history in blue and gold and to continue leading Wits to greater successes. And ultimately to represent the country one day."

by Andisiwe Sigoxo

Full fixtures HERE