Maties got the defence of their title off on a winning note when they beat newcomers Wits on the first day of the 2023 Varsity Netball tournament at the Wits Sports Hall in Johannesburg. There were also victories for UFS-Kovsies over Madibaz, UP-Tuks over UJ and NWU over UWC. The first bumper weekend continues tomorrow at the same venue. Maties 51 Wits 25 Defending champions Maties could their 2023 campaign off on a winning note with a 51-25 victory over debutants Wits. Maties went into the game as favourites, with a few of their players already well-established. It was always going to be a tough assignment for Wits though, with their squad consisting of several first-year students, lacking the necessary experience. The first quarter began unexpectedly with Maties starting slowly while Wits showed great energy defensively to make it a four-point game after the first quarter. The rest of the half saw Maties settle into their style and piling on the goals. The Maroon Machine were certainly better with attempts at the hoop and generally moved the ball well, which allowed them to go into the break with a 24-12 lead. The third quarter saw a better turnout for the Witsies in front of their home crowd, who spurred them on well. The defending champions however held onto their lead, ending the third quarter on 37-23. Maties came out stronger in the last quarter, making life difficult for Wits. Wits struggled to create any clear-cut scoring opportunities and only managed to add two goals to their tally. Maties in the end powered on to conclude the match with a 51-25 victory. Credit to the Wits players who pushed towards containing a highly experienced Maties outfit, who simply outwitted the Wits debutants. Quarter scores: 9-5 / 24-12 / 37-23 / 51-25 Player of the match: Syntiche Kabuya (Maties) Maties: Lisa Ingwersen, Rochelle Maree, Chrisley Marshall, Renezia Andrews, Nerine Koopman, Kerrin de Nobrega, Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen, Entle Futshane, Miriam Ndjadi, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Zané Bodenstein. Wits: Giada Prinsloo, Amy Horn, Sidney Coetzee, Kgotso Precious Montshiwa, Simoné van Reenen, Panashe Chiranga, Alix Horn, Refilwe Tswai, Kirsten Mileman, Nicola Wilson, Thandiwe Mokiti, Lerato Thobeha. UFS-Kovsies 55 Madibaz 27 UFS-Kovsies got their campaign off to a great start when they managed to overcome Madibaz 55-27. The game began quite tentative with very little to separate the two teams and Kovsies enjoyed a slender 11-8 lead after the first 15 minutes. The next quarter saw a better defensive display from Kovsieswhile Madibaz failed to string passes together consistently. The higher tempo by the Free State team was evident in the number of intercepts, with Kovsies making a staggering 11, compared to the three of the Madibaz. Kovsies increased their lead to 30-17 at half-time. In the second half of the match saw Kovsies enjoyed the better of the exchanges while being relentless on defence. Madibaz struggled to keep up and the match was concluded with Kovsies walking away with a well-deserved victory. Liame de Lange was certainly the standout player throughout the match, producing six intercepts, six deflections and a rebound which in the end earned her the Player of the Match award. Quarter scores: 11-8 / 30-17 / 41-22 / 55-27 Player of the match: Liame de Lange (UFS-Kovsies) UFS-Kovsies:Ane Retief, Bianca Pienaar, Xandri Fourie, Buhle Kubheka, Charne van Vuuren, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Elri Groenewald, Liame de Lange, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Lethabo Sehlapelo, Sheneca Smith, Ruandi van Dyk. Madibaz: Kaylin Coetzer, Mothira Mohammad, Andrea van der Merwe, Juanita van Tonder, Sibulele Kentane, Siyamthanda Dingiswayo, Nosipho Dweba, Britney van der Merwe, Kelly du Toit, Mitha Sinxo, Jeannique Rossouw, Bonique Solaan. UP-Tuks 58 UJ 53 The much-anticipatednorth and south Gauteng derby was an exhilarating clash that saw UP-Tuks leaving it late to beat UJ 58-53. The game got underway at a high tempo with UJ doing well to pounce on the errors made by Tuks in the opening exchanges. Errors in crucial parts of the court let the Pretoria-based team down to gift the Orange Army a 14-10 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter saw a tightly contested affair. Tuks were the first team to call for a power play, which worked better for UJ, who managed to add four goals to their tally as opposed to the two from the Tshwane side. This however did not deter Tuks as they clawed their way back in the game to reduce UJ’s lead to one goal going into the half-time interval, with the score at 27-26. In the second half, play resumed at a fast pace, which at times saw both teams making more unforced errors as the match continued. The end of the third quarter saw Tuks eventually turn matters around to enjoy a four-goal lead, with the game still very much in the balance. UJ called for their power play in the final quarter. This time it was Tuks that took full advantage, managing to grab four goals while UJ failed to capitalise and only managedtwo. The match-up was a thrilling end-to-end battle but Tuks did well to maintain their lead, landing a goal at the stroke of full time to claim an exhilarating 58-53 win over their Johannesburg counterparts. Quarter scores: 10-14 / 26-27 / 41-37 / 58-53 Player of the match: Cornelia Mupenda (UJ) UP-Tuks:Alice Kennon, Amber Marshall, Caroline Paul, Kamogelo Maseko, Kylie van Wyk, Luca Keun, Marichelle Visagie, Melissa van Zyl, Milla Coetzee, NomphaRaphalalani, PhophiNematangari, Zionne Grobler. UJ: Cornelia Mupenda, Boitumelo Mahloko, YankeBroodryk, MukhatshelwaTshisikhawe, AdivhahoTshivhiahuvhi, ZanellBlignaut, Sanelisiwe Ntobela, Londeka Buthelezi, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, OwethuNgubane, Zene de Waal, HenlizeBasson. NWU 51 UWC 36 NWU capped off the first day’s play with a hard-fought 51-36 win over a resilient UWC. The game saw NWU starting like a house on fire, dictating the pace of the game and with UWC struggling to keep up. The first quarter concluded with NWU in a commanding 23-5 lead, setting the scenario up for a big score in the match. The second quarter saw the team from the Western Cape come out with a different kind of energy, where they looked to move the ball around at their own pace, which lead to more scoring opportunities. UWC outscored their opponents in the quarter, but it was still NWU that went into the half-time break 31-15 up. The third quarter saw UWC fall further behind with NWU adding a further 10 goals. It was a tough quarter for UWC, but it seemed they left their best netball for the final quarter, as they took it to NWU, utilising the power play very well to cut the deficit. UWC certainly showed that they could be a dangerous opponent in this competition. Unfortunately for the ladies from the Western Cape, their fightback was a little too late against an experienced NWU team who managed to hold on for a 51-36 victory. Quarter scores: 23-5 / 31-15 / 41-21 / 51-36 Player of the match: Sanmarie Visser (NWU) NWU: Sunel Smit, Caitlin du Plessis, Jade Egwatu, JomariLübbe, Johanné Meyer, Michelle Geduld , TlotlangMokomela, Keke Molotsi, Favour Umeh, Chelize Swart, Sanmarie Visser, MartinéJordaan. UWC: Nashitah Africa, Courtleigh Behr, Roné Carstens, Amber Coraizin, Renisha Daniels, Shevonne Hoffman, Adri Kannemeyer, Leandré Ketch, Shani Pick, Liandré Schoeman, Wiandi Van der Merwe, Kristin van der Ross. Full fixture list HERE. Information on tickets HERE. by S’fisoNyawo

Get ready for an exhilarating showdown on the courts as Varsity Netball 2023 kicks off at Wits University on 20 August. The anticipation is palpable as the top eight university teams from across the country converge for a fierce competition to claim the coveted title. The echoes of last year's battles still resonate, with the memory of UJ's valiant journey to the semi-finals and their unfortunate defeat against eventual champions Maties. Notably, the Orange Army's resounding triumph over defending champions Kovsies in the group stages left spectators in awe. UWC managed only a single victory last year, but have bolstered their ranks with several new players eager to make their mark on the courts. UJ After captaining South Africa at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, UJ head coach Bongi Msomi says she’s now ready for the action of Varsity Netball. “Preparations are going well, the group is excited and looking forward to the start of the Varsity Netball. Our expectations for the tournament is to play and to use the opportunity to grow on and off the court as a group as well as compete against good teams. We want to play good netball.” According to Msomi Varsity Netball is very important for the national system. “The high performance system at varsity level helps with the thorough preparations of athletes on and off the court which plays a huge role in developing elite athletes. Games are also broadcastwhich is similar to what happens at national level. It also helps athletes to be part of continuous selections and trials.” UJ squad (subject to change): Henlize Basson, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, Owethu Ngubane, Zene de Waal, Jade Niemand, Minentle Mayekisa, Adivhaho Tshivhiahuvhi, Zanell Blignaut, Londeka Buthelezi, Keneilwe Seopa, Sanelisiwe Ntobela, Cornelia Mupenda, Yanke Broodryk, Mukhatshelwa Tshisikhawe, Boitumelo Mahloko, Alexandra Meimaris. UWC UWC head coach Vanessa Lingeveldt says her team have one objective for the Varsity Netball tournament – to play good quality netball with enjoyment. “Preparations have been going well. We ensure that players trained with intensity throughout training sessions and also recover well. We have exciting young players that will bring a balance and a different aspect to the game.” Lingeveldt says she is super excited of the journey ahead and is looking forward to the Varsity Netball tournament. “After the World Cup, [Varsity Netball] will certainly give recognition to players’ performance.” UWC squad (subject to change): Nashitah Africa, Courtleigh Behr, Kaylynn-Joy Brand, Roné Carstens, Amber Coraizin, Renisha Daniels, Chane Engelbrecht, Shevonne Hoffman, Adri Kannemeyer, Leandré Ketch, Ané Louw, Liyema Mrali, Shani Pick, Liandré Schoeman, Wiandi Van der Merwe, Kristin Van der Ross. Full fixture list HERE. More information on tickets HERE.

UWC are the 2023 Women’s Varsity Football champions after a comfortable 2-0 win over defending champions UJ in the final at the TUT Stadium in Pretoria. It was a repeat of last year’s final but this time the roles were reversed. This was UWC’s second title in five years. The Orange Army lost concentration early in the game and UWC drew the first blood inside the opening 10 minutes courtesy of a Lonthemba Mhlongo goal. UJ were limited in chances and failed to get back into the game. A star-studded UWC team remained in control throughout most of the game with the combination of Banyana Banyana’s Bongeka Gamede and Snegugu Zondi keeping things solid at the middle of the park. This gave the Western Cape side a slender 1-0 advantage at the break. Thinasonke Mbuli’s charges picked up where they left off as they walked from the tunnel rejuvenated. UWC doubled their lead 13 minutes after the break when Katlego Mabuza was fed a cheeky through ball and easily beat the UJ keeper. UWC’s Chelsea Daniels, a nominee for player of the tournament, was stretchered off due to injury in the 67th minute. UJ’s LusandaMavundla walked away with the top honours. Scorers: UWC – Lonathemba Mhlongo, Katlego Mabuza. Player of the match: Bongeka Gamede (UWC) UJ: MatshidisoMasebe, Boitumelo Rasehlo, Yolanda Nduli, NokuthulaSekhukhuni, Lerato Lefa, Shannon Macomo, Ayesha Moosa, SbongakonkeMzobe, SthembileSandleni, Kabelo Mokoena, LusandaMavundla . UWC: Siphesihle Dlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, SineguguZondi, LindokuhleGladile, Fikile Magama, BongekaGamede, KhanyisaManengela, Katlego Mabuza, Tiffany Kortjie, Nabeelah Galant, Chelsea Daniels.

It is the first bumper weekend of the 2023 Varsity Netball competition and the impact of players who were in action for the national team at the recent World Cup in Cape Town will be interesting to see. One of those that will once again grace the court at Varsity Netball isElmeré van der Berg, star shooter of the Proteas who was in action at the World Cup. Originally hailing from Bloemfontein, Van der Berg represents NWU where she is currently studying towards a Sports Coaching and Human Movements sciences qualification. Van der Berg chatted to Varsity Netball about her World Cup experience and what can be expected from this year’s tournament. Please take us through your recent Netball World Cup experience. “It was everything I could’ve imagined, I enjoyed it so much, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to represent the country on home soil. It was a huge honour and privilege to put the dress over my head and jog onto the court. Playing the sport I love in front of my family, friends, and the country was a huge honour.” How do you adapt your game in Varsity Netball after having played in the World Cup? “I will look to be more patient. I will be looking to also help my teammates around me to become better players and to support them. The most important thing will be to be patient and help the team where I can.” How have the preparations gone ahead for Varsity Netball? “The preparations before the tournament went well, the team worked hard but I could not be there for much of it because of the World Cup. I however know the team well and I know the spirit in the camp is also quite high in terms of us wanting to do well and win the Varsity Netball this year, so we look forward to coming out and playing our best.” How has Varsity Netball played a role in your life and playing career? “Varsity Netball has played a huge role in my career so far, as it provides a platform to play on [television], so the whole country can see you play. It’s also the top [eight] universities playing against each other and it’s always a big fight to see who will win. It’s also a huge honour to represent NWU and I look forward to playing with my teammates again, who I’ve been with for the past [four] years. Hopefully this year we can win the competition after coming so close last year.” Full fixture list HERE. Information on tickets HERE. by S’fisoNyawo

UPDATE: VOTING has closed as of 8am on Saturday 19 August. With the women's varsity football final approaching it's that time of the tournament where we recognise three outstanding players this year and ask the public to vote for the player they think should be crowned the FNB Player Of The Tournament 2023. All eight women's varsity football head coaches were asked to nominate three players they felt were the most impressive and were not allowed to nominate a player from their own university. The nomination process was weighted with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The votes were then added up and the three players with the most points are now being put forward to the public, whose votes will determine the winner. The public can cast their votes below from Wednesday, 16 August until 8am on Saturday 19 August. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the final on the same day. The nominees: Lusanda Mavundla: The UJ forward is currently the tournament's top scorer with 5 goals in three games, scoring two braces and was instrumental in helping the defending champions advance to this year's final. She won the FNB Player of the Match award in their win over Wits in the semi-final. Born in Durban her footballing hero is Alexia Puttelias. Chelsea Daniels: The Cape Town born forward has scored in each of UWC's last three games and was named the FNB Player of the Match in their game against DUT. She represented South Africa at u17 and u20 level and her football idol is Lionel Messi. Tshogofatso Motlogelwa: The TUT veteran played in the 2021 and 2022 editions of women's varsity football and has had a brilliant tournament despite TUT not qualifying for the semi-finals. She has four goals to her name and earned the FNB Player of the Match award in their game against DUT where she scored a brace. Her favourite player is Phil Foden. UPDATE: VOTING has closed and a screenshot of the results were taken at 8am on 19 August. Voting closes 8am on Saturday 19 August. Don't forget to book your tickets the women's football final on Saturday 19 August at 11am HERE.

The women’s varsity football final is set to take place on Saturday 19 August and it will be déjà vu as UJ face UWC in a repeat of last year’s final. The two football powerhouses were very evenly matched last year where the title was decided on penalties after ending scoreless in regulation time. It was the orange army who triumphed and lifted the trophy when they won 5-3 on penalties making it the second time they claimed the title after having first won it in 2013. UWC will no doubt be looking for revenge while the defending champions will want to make a statement that last year wasn’t a fluke. “Last year we won the title so we are definitely working hard to defend it. We want the trophy to remain in our cabinet and that's all we are focused on. We want to continue dominating with our style of play and limit mistakes in our game. We want to win the 2023 Varsity Women’s Football title.” says UJ Head Coach Nthabeleng Modiko. While UJ have reached the final unbeaten, UWC head coach Thinasonke Mbuli says they didn’t start well after losing their first game, but managed to pick up two wins and qualify for the knockout stage. They beat group B log leaders Tuks to advance to the final. Her expectations for the final echo that feeling. “We play with UJ a lot of times in a season [Hollywood Bets league/varsity football/USSA club champs] and always it’s a tough game, just like in our 1st game of this year’s edition. For the final we must just minimise our mistakes and try to convert our chances.” Here are the head to head stats. ROAD TO THE FINAL Form UJ Beat UWC 2-1 Beat TUT 1-3 Beat DUT 4-0 Beat Wit 3-0 (semi-final) UWC Lost to UJ 2-1 Beat DUT 4-1 Beat TUT 5-1 Beat Tuks 0-1 (semi-final) TOP GOAL-SCORERS Lusanda Mavundla (UJ) – 5 Chelsea Daniels (UWC) – 3 BEST FINISH UJ – Champions in 2013 and 2022 UWC – Champions in 2021 and made the finals for the last 4 tournament Saturday’s final will kick off at 11:00 and be broadcast on SuperSport.

The much-anticipated 2023 Varsity Netball tournament gets underway this weekend (Sunday 20 August) at the Wits Sports Hall in Johannesburg where the leading eight university teams will battle it out for the coveted title over three bumper weekends. UFS will be going for their fifth title and once again their coaching setup features Khanyisa Chawane, former Kovsies star and now assistant coach. She recently represented the Spar Proteas at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town. Varsity Sports recently got the opportunity to chat with KC, as she’s affectionately known, about her World Cup experience and how she would transfer lessons learnt into the UFS-Kovsies team ahead of the Varsity Netball tournament. Please take us through your recent Netball World Cup experience. “The World Cup experience was amazing, it was great to perform in front of people we know and that were behind us. As a team it was great, I felt we did well for ourselves. The environment was great, everyone that stepped out onto the court just wanted to do well.” How has your World Cup playing experience aided your coaching in Varsity Netball? “Every time we played it was good to watch the game from the side, so we could give each other feedback. That certainly improved my coaching eye, and the video analysis sessions were also helpful to also hear and see things from the perspectives of our coaches. This helped for me being able to then feed it to the Varsity Netball side as well ahead of the tournament.” How have the team’s preparations gone ahead of the Varsity Netball tournament? “I wasn’t a part of the preparations as much as I wanted to due to the World Cup, but I was always getting feedback on what was happening with the group. I must say that on my return I realised how the team has improved, through the coaching staff taking the team through training sessions every day. So, the team has improved from our participation at the USSA’s, and we are looking really good ahead of the Varsity Netball tournament.” How has Varsity Netball contributed to the development and growth of the sport in South Africa? “It’s the coaching, resources afforded to the players, and preparation going into a tournament like this which also results in creating more holistic athletes. The big benefit is also being able to study while you play. Varsity Netball really gives young players a platform to be seen by the national coaches and that’s where opportunities are born to possibly get a national call-up. Most of us are products of Varsity Netball and that’s helped us get to where we are today.” Full fixture list HERE. Information on tickets HERE. by S’fiso Nyawo

With Varsity Netball 2023 set to begin this Sunday, 20 August, followers of the sport are gearing up for a captivating spectacle as the top 8 university teams converge on the courts to see who will be crowned champions. With a storied legacy as the most successful team in varsity netball history, UFS-Kovsies enter the fray with the weight of expectations on their shoulders, while Wits embarks on their debut campaign, eager to etch their name into the annals of the sport. UFS-Kovsies The Free State-based team is the most successful in the history of the competition, claiming four titles since the first tournament in 2013. Head coach Burta de Kock says they are well prepared and her team is looking forward to taking to court. “I was blessed to pull in Maryka Holtzhausen, a former captain of the Proteas, to help Karin Venter during the time KC Chawane and I were at the World Cup. So we are looking forward to seeing what the team brings to the court with all these experienced coaches. And with the help of our manager, Bianca de Wee, a previous Varsity Netball player, everything has been going well because she knows exactly what the players’ needs are.” Playing the best netball as a team and being there for one another adds to the Kovsies’ focus, says De Kock. “Every team wants to end with the gold, that is what we are working for but we are also going out to put ourselves on the court for one another. So our focus will be game by game. “We are a team of youngsters and we are looking forward to seeing how they are going to explore their experience.” UFS-Kovsies squad (subject to change): Liame de Lange, Bianca Pienaar, Ane Retief, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Xandri Fourie, Sheneca Smith, Ruandi van Dyk, Charne van Vuuren, Buhle Kubheka, Lethabo Sehlapelo, Vanisha Wilson, Belinda Janse van Rensburg, Arne Fourie, Angake Gcelu. WITS This is the first year that Wits will be participating in the Varsity Netball tournament and even though preparations have been going well, there have been a few challenges along the way for the newbies. Head coach Elsje Jordaan, a former Protea captain and coach, however sees it as part of the process. “We have only one goal and expectation and that is to go through the tournament to learn and grow. The Wits netball programme has only formally started this year and we are up against established netball programmes. “We have an extremely young and very inexperienced team, with only one player who participated in the TNL. We are still designing our netball programme and are still very far from where we want to be, but the journey has started and we are excited and looking forward to the challenge.” Jordaan says despite some obstacles, it is an exciting time ahead. “It is very exciting that Wits is also now a high-performance programme, since it offers another avenue for players to grow and develop. The national programme relies heavily on the university system as a feeding system and a nurturing platform for young players. “The role of sponsors and the media in the growth of the sport is immense and plays a very important role in growing netball on all levels. Thank you for your contribution.” Wits squad (subject to change): Amanda Lisa Chihaba, Alix Horn, Amy Horn, Bongiwe Mbatha, Kirsten Mileman, Giada Prinsloo, Innocentia Ncama, Lerato Thobeha, Nicola Wilson, Oreratile Lentsoane, Panashe Chiranga, Kgotso Precious Montshiwa, Refilwe Tswai, Sidney Coetzee, Simoné van Reenen, Thandiwe Mokiti. Full fixture list HERE. More information on tickets HERE.

UPDATE: Voting has closed as of 12am, 17 August. Throughout the women’s tournament, a sizzling face-off had the whole of TUT buzzing right on the sidelines with the TUT Residence Dance Cheer Competition, and we're calling on you to join in on the fun and vote for your favourite squad. Two university squads have been giving it their all in a friendly dance cheer competition that's got everybody on their feet, clapping, and jiving to the piano beat. The support from fellow students has been making waves across residences and proves the #IyachesaFan loyalty and spirit. We need YOU to come through and crown the ultimate dance cheer champs. Get ready to flex those voting muscles – you're the judge now! Here's the scoop: we're approaching the final round on the 19th of August, and we're inviting you to help us decide the winner that will perform at the finals. Get ready to cast your vote online and show your love, spread the word faster than a taxi at rush hour. Voting closes midnight on Thursday, 17 August, the winners will be announced on Friday, 18 August. Let's turn up the volume, show your love, and make some serious noise. Ayeye, TUT, ayeye! 🎉📣🏆 Here are the two finalists and the voting poll is below. UPDATE: Voting closed. Voting closes midnight on Thursday, 17 August, the winners will be announced on Friday, 18 August.

As anticipation mounts for the upcoming varsity netball tournament starting on Sunday 20 August we preview defending champions Maties and former title holders Tuks. The air is electric with excitement as netball enthusiasts eagerly await to see if the maroon machine from Stellenbosch can secure back-to-back titles or if the university of Pretoria outfit can reclaim their former glory. The stage is set for a riveting season that promises to showcase the finest talent and strategic prowess in varsity netball. Maties Maties are the defending champions after they beat NMU in last year’s final in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Stellenbosch, with coach Zanele Mdodana afterwards saying “We’ve been building up to this moment, the hard work that’s gone in, year in, year out. We knew today was our day.” This year, Mdodana says the preparations have been going well and there is a certain expectation. “To be the best Maroon Machine we can be, focusing on the task in the moment. We are looking forward to a solid campaign this year.” She is also excited about the youngsters joining the squad. “There are nine first-years in our Varsity Netball squad of 16. They are young dynamic players who contributed to us winning back-to-back USSA titles.” Maties squad (subject to change): Lisa Ingwersen, Rochelle Maree, Chrisley Marshall, Renezia Andrews, Nerine Koopman, Kerrin de Nobrega, Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen, Entle Futshane, Miriam Ndjadji, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Zane Bodenstein, Lara Steenkamp, Hannah Olivier, Thabisa Yekani, Carla Janse van Rensburg. UP-Tuks UP-Tuks, champions in 2017 and 2019, have made some great improvements throughout the season and they are on track, says coach Jenny van Dyk. “We play Varsity Netball to win.” Van Dyk says there are a handful of new players that could have an impact during this year’s tournament. “Luca Keun was selected as the defender of the tournament at SA Schools 2022, she plays goal defence. Phophi Nematangari was selected as the defender of the tournament at the SA U19 Championships and she also played for the Gauteng Jaguars this year.” According to Van Dyk, the impact of Varsity Netball on the national system is crucial. “It’s a very important feeder to the squad, especially the SA U21 squad as the majority of the players in Varsity Netball are usually 21 and under.” UP-Tuks squad (subject to change): Alice Kennon, Amber Marshall, Anja van den Heever, Caroline Paul, Hitsakile Ndhlovu, Kamogelo Maseko, Kylie van Wyk, Luca Keun, Marichelle Visagie, Melissa van Zyl, Milla Coetzee, Nompha Raphalalani, Phophi Nematangari, Regan Millard, Tshiamo Ramodibe, Zionne Grobler. Full fixture list HERE. More information on tickets HERE.

With the start of the 2023 Varsity Netball competition just days away on Sunday 20 August and with the excitement of the recent Netball World Cup in Cape Town still fresh in the air, there is great anticipation of what the future stars of the national team will put on display over the next three bumper weekends. The platform that Varsity Netball provide as a breeding ground for the Proteas is undeniable. This is evident when one takes a closer look at the make-up of the squad that represented South Africa over the 10 days at the World Cup. Of the 15 players, 14 were involved with varsity netball as either a player or a member of the coaching staff. NWU: Elmeré van der Berg, Jeante Strydom SU: Nicola Smith, Nichole Taljaard UFS: Karla Pretorius, Khanyisa Chawane, Lefebre Rademan, Refiloe Nketsa UJ: Bongi Msomi (UJ Coach), Owethu Ngubane UP: Shadine van der Merwe, Izette Griesel, Lenize Potgieter, Ine-Marie Venter Madibaz: Dumisane Chauke (former TUT coach) While Msomi (UJ), Chawane (UFS), Van der Merwe (UP) and Phumza Maweni (UWC) may no longer be eligible to play, they are involved in their respective roles as head coach (Msomi) and assistant coaches (the others) at the respective universities. UFS head coach Burta de Kock, recently elected to serve on the new World Netball Coaching Advisory Panel, says Varsity Netball is a big foundation for the SA Protea squad. “Sponsors make it possible to be visible to other coaches and also to gain a lot of good competition. It is a pleasure to train our players because they have goals, not only for the university but also for themselves and that is to play for the Proteas. We are thankful for such a competitive tournament like Varsity Netball.” Elsje Jordaan, former national captain and coach, is the head coach of Wits who will participate in Varsity Netball for the first time. She says the university system is a healthy high-performance channel. “It has proven over and over again the quality players it delivers to the national programme. The national programme relies heavily on the university system as a feeding system and a nurturing platform for young players.” SU head coach Zanele Mdodana, former Protea captain that was part of the SuperSport commentary team at the recent World Cup, says Varsity Netball is important for the national system. “It is a stepping stone and platform where national selectors identify potential for the national team.” Full fixture list HERE. More information on tickets HERE.

Teams brimming with confidence ahead of the 2023 Varsity Netball tournament with the first bumper weekend starting at the Wits Sports Hall on Sunday 20 August. The action will continue on Monday 21 August. The UJ Imbizo Hall Soweto Campus is the venue for the second bumper weekend (Saturday 26 August – Monday 28 August) while the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre is the host for the final bumper weekend (Sunday 3 September – Monday 4 September). All matches are broadcast live on SuperSport and here are the first two team previews. NWU NWU, back-to-back champions in 2015 and 2016, are ready to make amends for their loss in last year’s final against Maties. Coach Elsunet du Plessis says they expect the competition to be very competitive. “Our preparations have been going great. The team is very excited to start the competition to see where we are at, and if our hard work will pay off.” Du Plessis echoes the sentiments of the other coaches on the importance of Varsity Netball. “It is a great platform as it is one of two major events for student players to gain valuable experience and this helps players to get noticed by NSA (Netball South Africa). Most of the players who participated in the World Cup came through the university platform. Varsity Netball plays an invaluable role in the development of our high-performance players.” NWU squad (subject to change): Elmeré van der Berg, Sunel Smit, Caitlin du Plessis, Jade Egwatu, Tlotlang Mokomela, Kega Mashilo, Michelle Geduld, Jomari Lübbe, Johanné Meyer, Keke Molotsi, Favour Umeh, Sanmarie Visser, Chelize Swart, Martiné Jordaan, Rory Pringle, Vivian Venancio. Madibaz Madibaz coach Lana Krige says they are grateful for the competition that Varsity Netball provides as it is an opportunity to showcase the broad base of talent South Africa has. “It is the breeding ground of our national team. Very few players make it into the national system without coming through the ranks of formal student sports. Varsity Netball is providing a platform for strong competition, travelling and professional training systems.” Krige says she is satisfied with her team’s preparations this year. “I would love for the team to execute what we have practised and enjoy it when it happens. “We have two new members in our squad from USSA. They have brought a new energy to the team and I am very excited to see what they will be bringing on court. “We have a good mix of five first years, one player who is 23 and everything in between. They are all here because we have seen something great in them and they have put the hard work in during the season.” Madibaz squad (subject to change): Kaylin Coetzer, Mothira Mohammad, Andrea van der Merwe, Juanita van Tonder, Sibulele Kentane, Siyamthanda Dingiswayo, Nosipho Dweba, Britney van der Merwe, Kelly du Toit, Mitha Sinxo, Jeannique Rossouw, Danielle Vermaak, Bronwyn Goosen, Phakama Skosana, Thimna Doyi, Bonique Solaan. Full fixture list HERE. More information on tickets HERE.