Players to watch in Varsity Netball 2025

As the country’s top student-athletes prepare to take the court for Varsity Netball 2025, excitement is building for what promises to be another thrilling season. From seasoned international stars to rising young prospects, this year’s competition is stacked with talent. With the action tipping off on 24 August, here are some of the standout players to keep your eye on throughout the campaign.

Rolene Streutker – UFS Kovsies

Arguably the most feared shooter in the competition, Rolene Streutker returns after a dominant 2024 campaign. The Proteas star was voted FNB Player of the Tournament and recently the Netball Super League Player of the Year for 2025. Streutker’s ability to rack up points and control the circle will once again make the Kovsies serious title contenders.

Cornelia Mupenda – UJ

UJ’s last line of defence is in the safe hands of Cornelia Mupenda, a Namibian international who continues to thrive on the domestic and international stage. After joining the Singapore Super League earlier this year and winning the TNL 2025 with the Golden Fireballs, Mupenda brings elite-level experience to an already competitive UJ squad.

Hanniska van Vuuren – Madibaz

Madibaz captain Hanniska van Vuuren brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to her side. A gold medalist with the South African U19 team at the Region V Games, she also featured in last year’s victorious CUCSA Games campaign. As a key figure in Madibaz's structure, expect Van Vuuren’s leadership and versatility to play a major role in their 2025 run.

Syntiche Kabuya – Maties

The veteran goalkeeper and Maties captain Syntiche Kabuya has already made waves at national level. She was selected for the SPAR Proteas squad at the 2024 FAST5 Netball World Series and also featured in the Vitality Netball Nations Cup earlier this year. With elite experience and commanding presence in the circle, Kabuya will be central to Maties' title ambitions.

Alix Horn – Wits

A stalwart in the Wits defence, Alix Horn impressed last year and continues to develop her game after competing for the Boababs in the Telkom Netball League (TNL). Horn’s athleticism and game reading ability make her one of the toughest defenders to face this season. Wits also boasts a powerful group of U21 national players in Giada Prinsloo, Luane Smith, Ametisse Bandu, and Philasande Ntuli who have all represented South Africa at junior level. Their presence gives Wits impressive depth and showcases the team’s focus on developing next-generation talent.

As the 2025 Varsity Netball season prepares to showcase some of South Africa’s brightest talents, these players will no doubt be instrumental in shaping the outcome of this year’s campaign, but  you can be sure that several new players will emerge as the stars of tomorrow.

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