All roads lead to the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein on Monday 7 October when UFS Kovsies host UJ in the final of the 2024 Varsity Netball competition. The final starts at 19:00, but before then we take a look at how the two finalists match up. On paper, Kovsies should be regarded as the favourites to add a fifth title to the ones they collected in 2013, 2014, 2018 and 2021 while UJ have never been champions.
The Bloem-based side will have the home court advantage and they are by far the best attacking side in the competition having outscored the Orange Army 568 goals to 448. On defence there is almost nothing seperating the two.
UJ will however be out to hand the home team a second defeat this season after beating them in the round-robin stage 51-46. They are also looking to avenge their one-goal loss against UP-Tuks in last year’s epic final. Kovsies and UJ have played each other 11 times in Varsity Netball, including this year. Kovsies have won seven times and UJ four.
Previous match: UJ 51 – 46 UFS
At no point was the result certain, and with both powerplays taken in the final quarter it was high-octane netball every step of the way.
For UJ, towering goalshooter Muhluri Hlatshwayo buried just about everything, but Kovsies goal attack Xandri Fourie was also outstanding in front of goal as well as out wide to create space for her team.
Both defensive units were sublime on the day. Wave after wave after attack were thwarted at either end of the court, resulting in momentum shifts almost every play.
UJ goalkeeper Cornelia Mupenda had an absolute blinder, particularly in the dying minutes of the game. Centre Sanelisiwe Ntobela’s calmness amid the beautiful chaos was hugely influential, and many would agree it was her cool head that got her side over the line.
Both sides put on a show that will be remembered by everyone at the Madibaz Sports Centre with the Orange Army walking winning the close encounter 51-46. Kovsies earned a bonus point for losing by less than seven goals.
UFS preview:
Kovsies come with an arsenal in the form of head coach Burta de Kock who has produced 22 players for the national squad in her 23 years at the university. Alongside her sits Spar Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane as attacking coach and Proteas vice-captain Karla Pretorius as defence coach.
De Kock says it’s always an honour to play in the final and not something they take as a given as they work very hard to get where they want to be.
“Our hearts are on fire, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the final at home in front of unbelievable supporters. The university has also been very supportive, and it is for them that we want to play to say thank you for helping us develop all this talent.”
She added that their preparations couldn’t be going any better.
“The players are in excellent condition thanks to the team that we have looking after them. We’ve been fortunate in not having any serious injuries, here and there a niggle, but nothing too serious.”
De Kock says they are striving for the win.
“We are looking forward to an exciting final. We are going to go on court and play incredible netball within those lines. We are expecting a hard game against UJ as they also have enthusiastic supporters and that can be intimidating.
“They also have two Proteas in their midst, and so do we. In the end, it will come down to the team as a unit and buying into how we prepared and to pull it through until the end.”
Kovsie Refiloe Nketsa says it is going to be a big night on Monday.
“It’s an honour to be in the final and to see our hard work pay off. We are going to go full-out and prepare well so that we can bring the trophy home.”
UJ preview:
Former national captain Bongi Msomi holds the reigns as UJ head coach. In the last couple of years, she has turned the Orange Army as a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
At the beginning of the season, Msomi didn’t mince her words when asked about the team’s expectations for the season.
“To play good and exciting netball and, of course, to win.”
After their semi-final victory over NWU that propelled them into the final, UJ’s Boitumelo Mahloko couldn’t hide her excitement and joy.
“It’s a great feeling to be in the final. Listen, we had it tough against NWU in the semi-final. You could see they did their homework. And then we just had to grind it out as we wanted it [to be in the final].”
More on the final HERE.
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