Players to watch in Varsity Netball 2026

As South Africa’s top student athletes get set to take the court for Varsity Netball 2026, anticipation is building for another season of fierce competition, emerging talent and unforgettable moments. From established stars to exciting young players ready to make their mark, the tournament promises no shortage of talent on court. With the action getting underway, here are some of the players we believe you should be keeping an eye on throughout the 2026 campaign.

Reratilwe Letsoalo (UFS) :

The FNB Player of the Tournament last year needs no introduction. She earned an international move to the Malaysian Netball Super League for outstanding performance. Her work ethic, tactical awareness and calmness under pressure make her a force to be reckoned with on the courts.

Hanniska van Vuuren (Madibaz):

In the opening two rounds of last year's tournament Madibaz beat Tuks and then eventual champions NWU. Co-captain Hanniska van Vuuren was instrumental in those victories giving Madibaz a flying start to the tournament. A gold medalist with the South African U19 team at the Region V Games, she also featured in their victorious CUCSA Games campaign.

Lara Ehlers (Maties):

Lara was in top form for Maties last season, commanding the wing attack position with sharp feeds, smart playmaking, and energy through the midcourt. Look for her to feature prominently again this season if the Maroon Machine are to go further than last year's semi-finals.

Christi-Mari Coetzee (NWU):

NWU goal defence  Christi-Mari Coetzee quickly established herself as a player to watch in Varsity Netball 2025. Making an immediate impact with a player of the match award on her debut and earning national junior call-ups, she rapidly build a reputation as one of South Africa’s emerging netball talents and earned a nomination for FNB Player of the Tournament in her rookie season. She was instrumental in the Eagles being crowned champions.

Phophi Nematangari (Tuks):

The Baby Proteas captain lead the team to their best-ever finish at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. At the Netball World Youth Cup Qualification Tournament Phophi was named the tournament's best mid-court player so she will no doubt feature heavily if the Stripe Generation are going to lift the trophy.

Cornelia Mupenda (UJ):

The UJ captain and goal defence is always a towering presence on the court and she lead the Orange Army to the finals last year and was agonisingly close to lifting the trophy. She has represented Nambia on the national stage and was also nominated for FNB Player of the Tournament last season.

Giada Prinsloo (Wits):

Goal shooter Giada Prinsloo has been a mainstay of the Wits team and will she will once again feature heavily if the Joburg side are going to give the traditional netball powerhouses problems again this year. Giada has represented SA at u21 level so she comes with pedigree and experience.

Keletso Gontho and Karla Victor (CUT):

Newcomers CUT will look to make a big first impression with stars like Karla Victor, part of the Spar Proteas team at the Commonwealth Games and Keletso Gontho the captain of Botswana National Team.

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