UJ claim Joburg derby spoils, NWU and UFS nail-biter in Varsity Netball round 4

UJ claimed the Joburg derby bragging rights against Wits to remain top of the log after round 4 of Varsity Netball 2026 at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. In the upset of the day, CUT beat Madibaz for their first Varsity Netball victory while UP-Tuks had no trouble against Maties. Defending champions NWU Eagles closed out the day’s play with a thrilling victory over UFS Kovsies in a repeat of last year's final.

UJ 58 – 50 WITS 

UJ remained unbeaten after Bumper Weekend 2 of Varsity Netball 2026, clinching a composed 58-50 win against Wits.

It was an end-to-end battle in the Johannesburg derby at the Callie Human Hall, with neither side willing to give an inch. The in-form Orange Army, however, managed to establish a three-goal cushion after the first quarter, 14-11.

In the second quarter, Wits managed to draw the scores level on a couple of occasions through some enterprising play, with Oratile Mokone particularly impressive as she made her presence felt across the court. Witsies could not turn this momentum into a sustained lead as UJ’s experience and composure allowed them to absorb the pressure. At half-time, they kept the lead, 27-23.

The Orange Army kept their noses in front during the third quarter despite the Witsies continuing to threaten, particularly during the power play. With the game finely poised, the intensity showed no signs of dropping as the teams headed into the final 15 minutes, with the score 43-38 in UJ’s favour.

UJ were simply outstanding in the shooting circle, and it is no surprise that they have built such a healthy goal difference on the log. Kadijat Abubakar was once again sublime for the Orange Army in the circle, helping her team maintain their grip on the contest and eventually sealing the 58-50 victory.

Quarter scores: 14-11|27-23|43-38|58-50

Player of the match: Kadijat Abubakar (UJ)

UJ: Alexandra Meimaris, Amara Agbai, Boitumelo Mahloko, Cornelia Mupenda, Kadijat Abubakar, Jaymee Joubert, Shiloh Berardelli, Sesandile Ngubane, Kamogelo Motsepe, Georgia Leppan, Tarle Mathe, Suné Barnard.

Wits: Alix Horn, Ametisse Bakenga Bandu, Amy Horn, Bophelo Mofokeng, Giada Prinsloo, Keira Pienaar, Kekeleto Molotsi, Mignon Mentz, Oratile Mokone, Philasande Ntuli, Shiàne Fouché, Zanele Soviya. 

MATIES 40 – 66 UP-TUKS

UP-Tuks claimed back-to-back wins in Bloemfontein as they comprehensively beat Maties 66-40.

The three-time champions from Pretoria took the lead after the first 15 minutes, but it was a tightly contested opening as the two teams sized each other up. Tuks managed to take a four-goal lead into the mini-break at 12-8.

In the second quarter, the Stripe Generation made a real move and used the power play to their advantage. They were clinical, moving the ball across the court with pace and relative ease to build a substantial lead of 32-15 at the half-time break.

The third quarter produced much of the same with the Maroon Machine having to play catch-up. Tuks stretched their lead to 46-26.

As the match approached its conclusion in the final 15 minutes, Tuks once again shifted gears and made the most of the second power play to secure a 60-44 victory.

Quarter scores: 8-12|15-32|26-46|40-66

Player of the match: Kimberley Amiras (UP-Tuks)

Maties: Bianca Odendaal, Cara Els, Chris-Marie Marx, Hannah Kriel, Iselle Acker, Kristen McGregor, Lara Ehlers, Lisa Ingwersen, Lize Rossouw, Thabisa Yekani, Vinah Mokgatle, Zahrah Noah.

UP-Tuks: Anke van Rensburg, Jade Atkins, Kayla Venancio, Kimberly Amiras, Kristi Koekemoer, Kyla Dames, Lente Kroukamp, Luca Keun, Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa, Skyla Eley, Phophi Nematangari, Kamogelo Maseko.

CUT 41 – 36 MADIBAZ

CUT created history when they fought back to beat Madibaz 41-36 for their first-ever Varsity Netball victory.

The clash between CUT and the Madibaz was one of the most eagerly anticipated games of round 4, with both seeking their first win of this year’s competition and knowing this was a golden opportunity to get their campaign on track. The pace in the opening exchanges was frenetic, resulting in a 7-7 deadlock after the first 15 minutes.

In the second period, the two sides remained evenly matched, but it was the Madibaz who edged ahead by making the most of their scoring opportunities while also keeping a lid on their unforced errors. One or two lapses saw CUT fall further behind, leaving them chasing the game as the Madibaz took a 21-15 lead into the half-time break.

The third quarter belonged to CUT. They played excellent netball as a team and clawed their way to within two goals of the Eastern Cape outfit. That comeback gave them a massive confidence boost heading into the final 15 minutes and with the scoreboard reading 27-25 in their opponents’ favour.

CUT then made the most of back-to-back power plays in the closing stages to complete a stunning comeback and secure a historic 41-36 victory that was very much deserved.

Quarter scores: 7-7|15-21|25-27|41-36

Player of the match: Tshegofatso Makoko (CUT)

CUT: Zandria Bastone, Tshepiso Choeu, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Keletso Gontho, Thandeka Ronica Lefuma, Thandolwethu Madime, Tshegofatso Makoko, Zeluleko Ntombela, Nena Radebe, Dimpho Faith Totola, Karla Victor, Sisabonga Xentsa.

Madibaz: Bronwyn Ann Goosen, Busisiwe Vayo, Edon Snyman, Hanniska van Vuuren, Inganathi Sapepa, Juanita van Tonder, Keagile Magadia, Leila Nel,  Neviera Gunn, Ogiyonke Lilitha Mabani, Simone Louw, Yazi Dumbela.

UFS KOVSIES 48 – 50 NWU EAGLES

NWU Eagles returned to winning ways with a narrow 50-48 victory over UFS Kovsies in the last match of round 4.

In a repeat of the Varsity Netball 2025 final, the Eagles held their nerve to deny a determined Kovsies side the send-off they wanted to give long-time coach Burta de Kock in front of their home crowd.

The defending champions held a slender lead after the first quarter. However, they called for an early power play which they failed to capitalise on. Instead, it was the hosts, Kovsies, who pounced to reduce the deficit. The visitors from Potchefstroom took a 13-11 lead into the mini break.

The second quarter remained a blow-for-blow affair, with neither side able to gain a clear ascendancy. The Eagles went to half-time leading 24-23.

The third quarter between these two old rivals was a bruising affair. Apart from the tempo going up a gear, the physicality also increased significantly. Kovsies managed to level the score 37-all, despite not fully capitalising on their power play either.

The final 15 minutes saw the defending champions race into a five-goal lead, but Kovsies refused to throw in the towel. They fought their way back to put themselves in a position to walk away with bragging rights, but the clock was against them as the Eagles held on for the 50-48 victory.

Quarter scores: 11-13|23-24|37-37|48-50

Player of the match: Mari Duraan (UFS Kovsies)

UFS Kovsies: Liame de Lange, Mari Duraan, Megan Erasmus, Keevy-Ann Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Marianne Louw, Bianca Lubbe, Thandolwethu Mokoena, Siyamthanda Sambo, Charné van Vuuren, Janie Visser. 

NWU Eagles: Christi-Marie Coetzee, Reze Coetzer, Njabulo Hlophe, Andrya Joubert, Lethabo Komane, Rayvoné Leander, Jaime Matfield, Amori Matthee, Amia Roux, Sunel Smith, Liané van Lochem, Vivian Venancio.