Youth and experience combine as Amiras and Keun shine for Tuks

Since the first Varsity Netball tournament in 2013, the competition has established itself as the breeding ground for South Africa’s biggest netball stars. And three-time former champions UP-Tuks are no exception.

The Stripe Generation is yet to win a match in Varsity Netball 2026 and newcomer Kimberley Amiras admits the environment is something to get used to.

“We have a lot of first years in the team and for most of us never played Varsity Netball before. It was a big adjustment for all of us but now we know where we have to improve.

“There is a big difference in playing Varsity Netball – the crowd, the music, the power play and the responsibility of knowing that the whole university is counting on you. We play for each other, and our coach (Amanda Mynhardt) is the best to work with.”

The 19-year-old Amiras comes off a stint of good performances, most recently representing the Tshwane district at the 2026 National Championships and being crowned the Best Defender in the U21 A division.

She says playing Varsity Netball is impactful.

“In this tournament I have learned how to adapt to the pressure. Varsity Netball is very fast; you have to make quick decisions. It teaches you to become disciplined with being a defender in the circle.”

Amiras makes mention of Luca Keun as being on the best defenders she’s played with.

“I have the utmost respect for her. She helped me so much in this tournament and it has been amazing to play with her in the team and share the circle.”

While Amiras draws inspiration from the 22-year-old Keun, Keun herself praises Amiras.

“She is a team player and helps the team a lot. I love every moment I get to play with her, it is an honour for me to be part of her journey. From when she came to Tuks at the beginning of the year to now cementing herself in the starting line-up.”

Keun made her Varsity Netball debut in 2023, the last time the Stripe Generation lifted the coveted trophy. The veteran defender says it has been a roller-coaster ride.

“Varsity Netball changed my life because it was the first time in my first year playing in front of a huge crowd and the atmosphere all of it. Varsity Netball creates an opportunity for player development because it is a long tournament. You can go after a weekend and go and work through what happened in the previous week for an individual and as a team. It is a good space for growth.”

When it comes to Tuks’ start to the 2026 campaign, Keun says they need to keep working as a team and play for one another.

“Obviously starting the campaign with two defeats is not ideal. Our team can only grow from here. I think it is also good to start like this and build from there, unlike starting on a high and dropping at the end. We played two very good games, and it was not bad losses; we need to learn from our mistakes and go back to work harder.”

By Lehlogonolo Ditshego