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.
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