In one of the most exciting finals since the start of the competition, UFS Kovsies beat UJ 58-55 in extra time at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein to be crowned the 2024 Varsity Netball champions. This is the fifth time Kovsies lifted the trophy while UJ were defeated for the second year running in the final.
From the first whistle, UJ launched an aggressive attack, but it was the home team who scored first to load cheers from their supporters. The Orange Army soon gained their footing and levelled matters. It was Kovsies who held a slim 13-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The intense battle continued in the second quarter. While Kovsies barely retained their one-goal lead, UJ never lost confidence in their goal shooter, Muhluri Hlatshwayo. Hlatshwayo took a tumble just before the halftime whistle but was quickly up on her feet. At the halftime break, Kovsies still had their noses in front, 23-21.
The next 15 minutes were marked by utter concentration, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand. Every aspect was matched step by step with neither the Orange Army or Kovsies dominating any specific area. Once again, the home team clung to one-goal lead, 35-34.
With both power plays still on the table in the last quarter, it was going to come down to the wire. UJ took the lead during the first power play by taking their opponents out of their comfort zone, slowing the game down and making sure they retained ball possession. The last power play put both teams within striking distance of a win. With the crowd chanting “UFS, UFS, UFS” in the dying seconds of the game, Xandri Fourie equalised (47-47) to send the match into overtime.
Nothing separated the two teams in the first seven minutes of extra time, with the scoreboard reading 51-51.
It was in the final seven minutes of the pulsating affair that Kovsies finally kicked into the highest gear. Fuelled by their enthusiastic home supporters, they put the nail into the coffin (58-55) and were crowned champions for the fifth time.
Quarter Scores: 13-12 | 23-21 | 35-34 | 47-47 | 58-55 (extra time)
FNB Player of the Match: Refiloe Nketsa (UFS Kovsies)
FNB Player of the Tournament: Rolene Streutker (UFS Kovsies)
Suzuki Player’s Player of the Tournament: Sunel Smit (NWU)
UFS Kovsies: Liamé De Lange, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Megan Erasmus, Xandri Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Asanele Malgas, Owami Mohuli, Refiloe Nketsa, Rolene Streutker, Charné van Vuuren, Karla Victor.
UJ: Alexandra Meimaris, Aphiwe Thusini, Boitumelo Mehloko, Cornelia Mupenda, Gugulethu Mdladla, Henlize Basson, Jade Niemand, Kamogelo Motsepe, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, Sanelisiwe Ntobela, Tarle Mathe, Yanke Broodryk.
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