Tuks defender Jamie Williamson standing her ground in a tough season

UP-Tuks have a mountain to climb in their penultimate round of Varsity Netball 2025 when they take on log leaders UJ on Sunday 14 September in the Wits Sports Hall in Johannesburg. The side, coached by Amanda Mynhardt, have managed to only register a single victory this season (53-35 over newcomers Varsity College).

The Stripe Generation got their depth tested against star studded sides but despite the tough times, Jamie Williamson stood her ground. The Durban born rising star says she has embraced her role to take to the court on defence (goalkeeper, goal defence) in the goal circle.

“Playing Varsity Netball is an eye opener, you compete against the best of the best, even national players. You need to build self-confidence and it’s an opportunity for you to learn about yourself and how you deal with the intense moments.”

Playing in three different positions against archrivals Maties (36-47, 8 September), was intense, says Williamson.

“My debut was against TUT last year (2024), I came in the last quarter and felt nervous. I played goalkeeper and made three intercepts and that was something I will cherish for a long time, I felt proud.

“With Tuks having so many national players, it opened a lot of opportunities for other players this year, and the positives I would take from this squad is (that) we carried the team structure, spirit, culture and trust. We grow each game and slowly adapting and learning to navigate such a high-stake tournament.”

For Williamson, the bumper weekend (7, 8 September) at the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria has been her favourite moment of this year’s tournament.

“Playing at home is special, the crowd, the atmosphere and knowing fans came to support us and (the) fighting spirit we showed. We are hoping to improve in the coming fixtures, not only in results but to execute the games better. It was a good moment for us to keep going.”

Full fixture list HERE. 

by Lehlogonolo Ditshego