UJ ready to put their hands on the Varsity Netball trophy

After pushing the 2024 final against UFS Kovsies into extra time, UJ is ready to finally put their hands on the trophy when the first whistle is blown for Varsity Netball 2025.

Head coach and former Protea captain Bongi Msomi said they are planning to use the grit and determination shown in the defeat to Kovsies to their advantage this year.

“We always want to give it our all, despite the results and the game against Kovsies proved that.

“The preparation has been good and the mood in the UJ camp is always the best. The group gets along really well, and it makes things easy for us as coaches. I am expecting good netball and, exciting up and coming talent taking up space.”

She added that the squad is a good mix of new players and those who have played in the competition before.

“I think they are all fantastic talent and it will be good to see how they take on Varsity netball individually and as a group. I am really glad they get a chance to showcase their talent in the competition as not every student-athlete get to do that.”

Msomi said the importance of Varsity netball as the breeding ground for the national team and the development of the sport in South Africa, cannot be underestimated.

“Universities offer bursaries to top netballers from high school and club systems. This means that they get to use their high performance systems to holistically take care of the amazing talent in the country. The setup allows student athletes to be looked after for three years and longer, continuously developing their skills on and off the court. By the time Varsity netball starts, it is to showcase the talent on the big stage.

“The most important part about this tournament, is that it doesn't only look after netball, but also academics. There are academic requirements to be met by all student-athletes to be eligible to play Varsity Netball. If requirements aren't met, the athlete can't be part of the tournament. This forces all athletes to balance both sport and academics, which prepares them better for their future.

“The national side then gets to work with well-equipped individuals who are keen to take on their duties on a national level, considering the challenges they overcame as student athletes.”

UJ provisional squad (subject to change): Juanike Steinmann, Sesandile Ngubane, Kubura Abubakar, Makayla Edgecomb, Mariska O'Connor, Justene Henn, Amy Hollard, Tarle Mathe, Minette Erasmus, Luyanda Msomi, Noxolo Mdlalose, Makhosazana Nkambule, Keneilwe Seopa, Yanke Broodryk, Kamogelo Motsepe, Cornelia Mupenda, Sli Ngcobo, Amahle Mbatha, Tassnique Norman.

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