With the new Spar Protea captain Khanyisa Chawane and vice-captain Karla Pretorius as part of their coaching set-up, it is no wonder that UFS Kovsies coach Burta de Kock is thrilled about the 2024 Varsity Netball tournament.
She has expressed her confidence in her team’s preparation on and off the court for the tournament they have won four times, with back-to-back titles in 2013 in 2014.
“Our preparations went exactly as planned. This is thanks to the meticulous management of our players and the hard work we've put in. We’re fortunate to have Karla (Pretorius) leading our defence and KC (Chawane) boosting our attack. Every day’s goals were met, and we’re now eagerly anticipating the 2024 season.”
De Kock emphasises that the Kovsies' strategy is to approach every match with the intensity of a final.
“Each player brings something unique to the court. We have Refiloe Nketsa, a Protea player, commanding the centre, and Rolene Streutker, a Protea goal shooter, returning from Australia. Karla Victor, who play for SA U/21, strengthens our centre. Then there’s Reratilwe Letsoalo, who was voted best wing defence by spectators at the Telkom Netball League, and Xandri Fourie, who shined as goal attack in Fast Five. Also never discount the brilliant Liamé de Lange. With so many experienced players, our core group of 16 is set to make a big impact this season.”
UFS Kovsies will get the 2024 Varsity Netball underway when they take to the court against Wits at the Wits Sports Hall in Johannesburg on Sunday 1 September at 13:00. For a full fixture list, click HERE.
PROVISIONAL SQUAD (subject to change): Liamé de Lange, Karla Victor, Megan Erasmus, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Xandri Fourie, Sheneca Smith, Asanele Malgas, Rolene Streutker, Charne van Vuuren, Leah Winter, Lethabo Sehlapelo, Thando Mokoena, Refiloe Nketsa, Mienke Delport.
by Jurgen Smith
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