Tuks have their eyes set on a top finish in Varsity Netball 2026

UP-Tuks are busy gearing up for an exciting campaign in the Varsity Netball 2026 competition. The Stripe Generation return with a rejuvenated squad after seeing through the 2025 campaign without a number of their key players due to the Youth World Cup.

Head coach Amanda Mynhardt is motivated and says that her side is ready to compete, highlighting the importance of players competing in various tournaments and the wealth of experience they bring to Varsity Netball.

“We are happy with where we are in terms of preparations at the moment, for us it is about bringing our players together who have been part of different campaigns.

“We need to try and get points this time around. Last year we had a tough time not having all our players available due to the Youth World Cup. We need to get enough points to get us into the semis.”

The Pretoria outfit are looking to make the finals for the first time in three years and ultimately win it, having last won it in 2023. They are coming in with newly formed leadership as Kyla Dames will lead Mynhardt’s troops in this campaign as the captain.

“We have new faces in the team and also players making a return, the likes of Phophi Nematangari, Kamogelo Maseko and we are excited to see what the future holds for them. Kyla Dames has been great with us, taking the armband from Caroline Paul,” says Mynhardt.

UP-Tuks will take on defending champions NWU in their opening game.

“For us, it is not a lot to lose, considering we did not do well last year.  It will be great to measure ourselves against those (top teams), just to see where we are and what areas to improve.

“We all play to win, we know where we want to achieve, but we are realistic and know what it takes to be the best. If we take care of the smaller things, the big things will happen. To be the best, you need to show up all the time but also have the discipline throughout the campaign,” concluded Mynhardt.

UP-Tuks Provisional Squad:

Arette Burger, Anke van Rensburg, Jade Atkins, Jamie Williamson, Kamogelo Maseko, Kayla Venancio, Kathleen Taljaard, Khanya Ngema, Kiara van Eeden, Kimberley Amiras, Kyla Dames, Kristi Koekemoer, Lente Kroukamp, Luca Keun, Minette Boshoff, Nonnie Mjaliswe, Phophi Nematangari, Skyla Eley.

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets HERE.