Former Banyana Banayana coach Anna Monate is looking to go further with the University of Johannesburg this season and feels hosting the showpiece is a major advantage. The highly respected coach left tournament giants Tshwane University of Technology for a new challenge at UJ but fell at the semi-final stage in her first tournament. Having lost 2-1 to the University of Pretoria after a late own-goal, they will now be aiming to challenge TUT and reigning champions University of the Western Cape to lift their second title. Anna Monate joined UJ from TUT because she wanted a new challenge. The 53-year-old mother of two boys will be the oldest coach in this year’s Women’s Varsity Football tournament and is eager to help UJ win their second title. “Yes it’s an advantage [for our squad] with everything like we train, play there and are used to the weather and environment,” the coach who steered Banyana between 2006 and 2008 said. “Most of the players are the regulars in both structures of our league senior side and development side and we train together. PLAYER TO WATCH Monate has warned there’s more than one to look out for amongst a talented crop of players Shannon Maccom, Angela Munaisi, Thubelihle Shimase and Sphumelele Shimase are the ones she feels will be the difference makers. DID YOU KNOW? UJ won the inaugural Varsity Football women’s tournament in 2013. TEAM FACT FILE Nickname: Orange Army Province: Gauteng Appearances: Eight (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) Titles: 1 Biggest win: 6-0 against TUT Biggest loss: 4-0 against TUT 2022 SQUAD Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Mazivise, Avela Wotini, Bontle Hobyane Defenders: Lerato Lefa, Shannon Macomo, Kabelo Mokoena, Lungile Khumalo, Boitumelo Rasehlo, Ntsandeni Munasi, Queen Ntsoelikane Midfielders: Bryden Mokobi, Sthembile Sandleni, Sphumelele Shamase, Ayesha Moosa, Mbali Sibindi, Nontobeko Mthabela, Liya Sarfudin Fikile Bapela Forwards: Thubelihle Shamase, Lesego Nhlapo, Refilwe Maseko, Nazneen Khan, Zara Wilkinson, Petunia Mabasa. TECHNICAL TEAM Head coach: Anna Monate Assistant coach: Delisile Mbatha, Nthabeleng Modiko Goalkeeper coach: Lucky Shiburi Physical Conditioner: Kgotuwe Tswai Physiotherapist: Sibongile Jongwa Compliance officer: Mpho Mohalane Video analyst: Oriel Bagani Media Officer: David Sootho Kit manager: Mpho Mohalane Team manager: Alphina Mokwena

After three bumper weekends of action in the 2022 Varsity Netball tournament, all eyes will be on Bloemfontein and Stellenbosch on Monday (10 October) for what is expected to be two pulsating semi-finals. At 17:00 defending champions, Kovsies and NWU (winners in 2015 and 2016) will take to the court in the Callie Human Hall. Last year’s runners-up Maties then host first-time semi-finalists UJ in the clash of the Maroon Machine against the Orange Army at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre at 19:00. Kovsies vs NWU Kovsies, on the hunt for a record fifth Varsity Netball title, had a stumbling start to this year’s competition with back-to-back losses against Maties (53-57) and UJ (43-54). Coach Burta de Kock however wasn’t fazed, saying “We managed to work out different combinations and we are excited to get another crack at it.” This they certainly did, beating arch-rivals Tuks in round 5 (58-48) and winning the see-saw battle Monday against the Eagles (65-60), now standing between them and a historic feat. At the beginning of the tournament, NWU coach Elsunet du Plessis told Varsity Sports the aim this year “is to get a spot in the semi-finals”. Despite Monday’s nail-biter and a narrow loss against Maties (51-56) earlier in the tournament, the team’s 9 bonus points pushed them to second position on the log after the round-robin stages. Looking at the Varsity Netball semi-final history between Kovsies and NWU, the 2022 edition between these two university powerhouses is squaring up to be a tightly contested affair. Kovsies were victorious in 2014 (51-45) and 2021 (66-65) while NWU went on to the final in 2015 (56-48) and 2017 (53-37). Head-to-head record (all matches since 2013) – Kovsies 8; NWU 5; one draw (45-all, 2014) – Biggest victory: Kovsies 76-52 (2021); NWU 58-36 (2016) – Closest margin: Kovsies 66-65 (2021); NWU 48-44 (2017) Maties vs UJ Maties are appearing in their seventh consecutive Varsity Netball semi-final with the hope to advance to the final for the fourth time and claim their first title. For the second year running, the Stellenbosch team is also the only undefeated team in the competition, with their biggest win coming over TUT (86-21) while they managed to sneak past UJ (44-42) and Tuks (57-55) in narrow victories. Danielle Esterhuizen during the Varsity Netball match between Madibaz and UJ at Coetzenburg Sports Centre in Stellenbosch on 27 August, 2021 But as coach Zanele Mdodana indicated before this year’s competition even got underway, “The focus is not on winning … We are ready for a life-changing experience.” And what a transformation coach Bongi Msomi has engineered at UJ in the last couple of years. The Protea captain managed to turn 30+ goal defeats in 2019 to just a handful in 2021 and this year into victories over Kovsies (54-43) and Tuks (53-51). Apart from the two-goal loss against Maties in round 4, UJ’s only other defeat came against NWU (60-48) in this year’s first match. Three weeks ago UJ assistant coach Nomsa Zungu said all they wanted to do this year was perform well, “It’s not about how many games we win, but it is about setting up our own goals and then achieving them.” Mission accomplished. Head-to-head record (all matches since 2013) – Maties 9; UJ 0 – Biggest victory: 69-27 (2017) – Closest margin: 47-46 (2013; 44-42 (2022) *Both semi-finals are broadcast live on SuperSport. by Liryn de Jager

The only two undefeated teams of the tournament, NWU and Maties, will go blow for blow tomorrow (Wednesday, 5 October at 12:00) in the highly anticipated 2022 Varsity Cricket final at the Tuks Oval. Pound for pound, Maties and NWU are equal in this tournament if one looks at the balance and depth of both squads. These two teams have also shown elements of ruthlessness and composure during the tournament. Interestingly, Maties have won all their games batting second, whilst the NWU have won all their matches batting first. Tomorrow only one team will be the undefeated heavyweight champion of 2022 Varsity Cricket. Hat-trick hero puts Tuks in a spin and Maties into the final Maties bowlers’ tore through Varsity Cricket tournament hosts and defending champions UP-Tuks this afternoon in an 8-wicket victory in the first semi-final. Maties leg-spinner, Benjamin Ward (4/9), took a hat-trick and four wickets in his first over to take the stuffing out of Tuks. He caught and bowled Keagan Lion-Cachet with his second ball of the over, and then proceeded to claim a famous hat-trick with balls 4,5 and 6: Matthew Boast (caught) for 0, James Richie (bowled) for 0 and Merrick Brett (LBW) with another first ball duck. Ward’s heroic performance epitomised this superbly balanced Maties’ team who dismissed Tuks for only 76. Phillip Kleynhans finished off the tail with 3/21. In reply, the Maroon Machine strolled to victory with the in-form George van Heerden easing to 42* (30) with 6 fours and a six to win the game with 53 balls to spare. Scorecard: Tuks: 76 all out – 13.4 overs Maties: 79/2 – 11.1 overs Maties beat Tuks by 8 wickets NWU Eagles secure final spot after a narrow win against CUT The NWU were just too polished for a fighting CUT-outfit in the second semi-final as the Potchefstroom-based side qualified for a showdown against Maties with a 5-run victory. A miserly team bowling performance was just what the NWU needed as Hardus Coetzer (1/22) and JP King (1/24) showed good temperament in a do-or-die match. CUT looked down and out, until Delano Williams 26* (9) revived hopes with some massive shots in a final powerplay over that added 32 runs to CUT’s score. JP King of NWU during the Varsity Festival cricket match Semi-final 2 NWU Potch v CUT on Tuesday 04 October 2022 at LC de Villiers/Tukkies Photo by Christiaan Kotze/ C&C Photo Agency for Varsity/ AsemEngage The second semi-final was a much tighter affair between the NWU and CUT with the NWU opting to bat first. For once, Eben Botha or Chris Britz did not trouble the scorers as the CUT bowlers got stuck in early reducing NWU to 28/2. JP King looked in good touch before losing his wicket for 36 (23) to CUT bowler Franklin Damons (2/22) Although boundaries were hard to come by, the left-handed, Heinrigh Pieterse, contributed a handy 48 (41) and Taheer Isaacs a surefire 28 (22) to take the NWU to a defendable total of 157/6. It proved to be just enough, as CUT fought until the end to bow out with their heads held high. Scorecard: NWU: 157/6 – 20 overs CUT: 152/6 – 20 overs NWU win by 5 runs Amm goes out with a bang as Madibaz beat UJ Mark Amm with 78 (37) was the hero for the Madibaz as his knock lead them to a resounding five-wicket win against UJ in the battle for fifth place in the tournament. The Madibaz had to chase 134 for victory and did that with 22 balls to spare thanks to Amm’s blistering innings that included 11 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 211. To put Amm’s innings into perspective, no other Madibaz batsman could move past 20 in the chase. Earlier, Ethan Frosler (4/11) and Mark Amm (2/23) were the top bowlers for the Madibaz as they reduced UJ to 58/6 at one stage. UJ’s needed a bit of luck and Lucky Mofokeng provided with a feisty inning of 39 (39) to take UJ to 133 all out in 18.4 overs. Scorecard: UJ 133/10 – 18.4 overs Madibaz 134/5 – 16.2 overs Madibaz win by 5 wickets Mpongwana gives UWC a sweet victory against Ikeys UWC completed an easy 7-wicket victory against UCT-Ikeys in a Cape derby to end their tournament on a high note. UWC’s Abubaker Samodien (4/30) and Mihlali Mpongwana (3/27) were too hot to handle for the UCT-Ikeys batsman as they collapsed to 116 all out. Mpongwana used the momentum of his bowling performance to add 41 (40) with the willow. Together with Lwando Tywaku 28 (27), the pair took UWC to an assured victory with 26 balls in their locker. UCT-Ikeys end their tournament winless, although they did put on a couple of top performances in patches during the tournament. Scorecard: UCT 116 all out – 15.5 overs UWC 117/3 – 15.4 overs UWC win by 7 wickets

All that former UJ all-rounder, Delano Potgieter, needed was a chance to perform on the big stage. He knew he had the talent to entertain and the will to succeed. When the Varsity Cricket show rolled into Potchefstroom, Delano knew that the spotlight could be shining on him. Kitted in orange and black, he formed a key part of the UJ Army who enjoyed several top tournaments in Varsity Cricket in the past few years, most notably finishing as runners-up in 2019. Delano took his opportunity with both hands on the fast and frenetic Varsity Cricket stage. A left-handed ball striker of note and a mercurial right arm pacer, Delano proved to be the perfect fit in a hungry and exciting UJ side. “The Varsity Cricket tournament was an amazing tournament for a lot of players. It got me on the South African cricket map. My fondest moment of Varsity Cricket was being able to play in anything other than our whites. It was an honour to play in the black and orange kit something at that time I haven’t done before,” states Delano. Delano scored 237 runs (5th highest) in the 2016 tournament and added 262 runs (3rd highest) in the 2019 edition playing a key part in UJ’s success with the likes of Ryan Rickelton, Joshua Richards, Stefan Klopper and Neels Bergh forming a solid batting line-up. If UJ needed a big wicket or some quick runs at the top of the order, Delano with his right arm medium pace was there to deliver. If you added his former UJ teammates, Joshua Richards (Lions batsman) and current SA Proteas batsman, Ryan Rickelton, to the equation then these three would entertain crowds at will in a boundary festival of note. “The intensity of Varsity Cricket is high, especially when playing in front of crowds coupled with the pressure of being on television. There is no better way to showcase your talent than on live television. At a young age, Varsity Cricket already gives you a taste of what is to come on the next level,” mentions Delano. This talented cricketer and Marais Viljoen old boy made his first-class debut for Gauteng in 2015 and represented the Lions with distinction at franchise level for numerous seasons. Delano also featured for the Jozi Stars in the 2019 Mzansi Super League. His consistent good form got noticed at national level and he was chosen for the SA Emerging team for a tour to Namibia in 2021. Since making his debut in Varsity Cricket back in 2016, Delano has climbed the ranks of South African domestic cricket and transformed into one of the key all-rounders for the North West Dragons side. Last season he was the Dragons bowler with the golden arm in the 4-day format taking numerous key wickets. He also took a liking to the white ball in the shorter format, hitting crucial runs in the middle order. Delano’s versatility and being able to smash a ball at will, has made him a sought after T20 cricketer – just ask the Mumbai Indians Cape Town franchise who was keen enough to buy him for a base price of R 175 000 ahead of the inaugural SA20 tournament in 2023. “I am extremely excited about the opportunity of SA20. I was having dinner with one of the coaches that’s been working with me for a very long time, so when they called out my name it was pretty special. I am super excited and can’t wait for it to start,” says Delano. The 26-year-old has also met some of his best friends through Varsity Cricket. Two former UJ teammates attended his wedding as groomsmen. “Ryan Rickelton and I still have contact, as well as Neels Bergh who was my captain at UJ. They were both my groomsmen at my wedding. Varsity Cricket guarantees good friends and good cricket.” According to Delano, Varsity Cricket presents a fantastic opportunity for young cricketers to gain as much experience as possible, especially as some top domestic talents are also part of the 2022 edition. “Play your hearts out and learn every day and from everywhere you can. Some of the Varsity cricket players may have played franchise cricket, so ask them all the questions you have.” Just like Delano, there will be youngsters this year ready to shine in the spotlight when the cameras start to roll. An opportunity of a lifetime awaits in Varsity Cricket.

The Tshwane University have dethroned the University of Johannesburg to lift their third Varsity Football title. It was a highly-anticipated final between the two best sides of this year’s Varsity Football tournament and the game which promised fireworks was living up to expectations. The first 25 minutes of the match were an evenly contested affair, with TUT creating some half chances following set pieces. UJ had a decent attempt in the 27th minute but Philane Masondo’s shot went wide off the target. TUT eventually opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, when Kutloano Manamela found the back of the net with a stunning volley. However, their lead lasted just one minute as Thanda Madiba found the equaliser from a tight angle after being set up by Thulani Zandamela. UJ almost scored their second goal in injury-time of the first half but Tebogo Lekaba cleared the ball off the line. TUT then went close in the first minute after half-time but a cross by Hendrick Xaba was blocked by Neo Lebopa. Madiba had a decent chance with a free-kick in the 59th minute but his attempt flew over the bar. TUT eventually found the winner in the 83rd minute, which came via an own goal by Maselesele Makoti after fine work down the right flank from Tumelo Hope Moeng. UJ tried to find another equaliser but it wasn’t to be, leading to wild celebrations of the Red Army. Coach Bushy Moloi was seen dancing on the sidelines as his troops lifted their third title after 2016 and 2018. The Varsity Football team would also look to express their best wishes to injured TUT defender Siphosethu Mkhize, who had to be stretchered off the pitch in the dying minutes of the game. Score: UJ 1-2 TUT Goals: 32’ 0-1 Kutloano Manamela, 33’ 1-1 Thanda Madiba, 83’ 1-2 Maselesele Makoti (OG) Man of the Match: Tshiamo Mahome (TUT) UJ starting XI: Lona Richard Banga, Maselesele Makoti, Neo Lebopa, Siphiwe Manana, Thanda Madiba, Sanele Ndlalane, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Advocate Mokwena, Thulani Zandamela, Gerald Ndlovu, Philane Masondo TUT starting XI: Sikhumbuzo Ncube, Sanele Nene, Tebogo Lekaba, Kutloano Manamela, Siphosethu Mkhize, Alan Majo, Andile Yamile, Hendrick Xaba, Tshiamo Mahome, Tumelo Hope Moeng, Tshepiso Mnisi