UFS Kovsies will be going after their fifth title and UJ their first when the two teams meet each other on Monday 7 October in the final of the 2024 Varsity Netball tournament. Kovsies beat defending champions UP Tuks in the second semi-final at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. In the first semi-final, last year’s runners-up UJ held on to be victorious against NWU.
UJ 55 – 48 NWU
The match between UJ and NWU had everything you expect from a Varsity Netball semi- final. There were fiercely contended strategies unfolding on the court and spectator rivalry off the court. From the get-go, UJ’s attention was clear – retaining ball possession. This led to scoring first while the Eagles struggled to get the ball into the net.
NWU were the first to score in the second quarter, feeding off the energy from their supporters. They did however struggle to turn opportunities into points despite Sunel Smit having a height advantage over her opponents. The game shifted into a new gear in the third quarter and the pace and cheering from both groups of supporters increased. NWU left their power play for the last quarter of the match. They came within striking distance in their attempts to overhaul UJ, only to see victory and a place in the final slip away. UJ managed to stay a few steps ahead to seal their spot in the final.
Quarter Scores: 14-10 | 25-20 | 40-34 | 55-48
FNB Player of the match: Muhluri Hlatshwayo (UJ)
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.
NWU: Casey Davids, Jade Egwatu, Nadine Hefer, Martiné Jordaan, Jomari Lübbe, Kegaugetswe Mashilo, Amori Matthee, Tlotlang Mokomela, Nicola Oosthuizen, Sunel Smit, Sanmarie Visser, Johanne Meyer.
Rolene Streutker of FNB UFS during the Semi Final of the Varsity Netball match between FNB UFS and FNB UP Tuks at the Calli Human Hall in Bloemfontein. Played on 30 September 2024, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude
UFS KOVSIES 68 – 62 UP TUKS
Only four goals separated the teams at half-time, but ultimately it was a case of cool heads maintained as UFS Kovsies advanced to yet another final following a solid victory over UP Tuks. With overwhelming support in the stands, Kovsies’ strategy was simple – secure their place in the final without leaving any room for doubt. Tuks however responded well to the initial string of goals to equal matters. Where there’s friction, there’s heat and together with the added intensity, the clash became physical at times.
The third quarter saw Kovsies start firing on all cylinders and edging ahead of the defending champions. At the end of the 15 minutes of play, Kovsies had stretched their lead to 53-43. Tuks made full use of their power play in the last 15 minutes but it was too little, too late allowing the home side to advance to the final.
Quarter Scores: 15-13 | 35-31 | 53-43 | 68-62
FNB Player of the match: Xandri Fourie (UFS Kovsies)
UFS Kovsies: Liamé De Lange, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Megan Erasmus, Xandri Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Owami Mohuli, Refiloe Nketsa, Lethabo Sehlapelo, Rolene Streutker, Charné van Vuuren, Karla Victor.
UP Tuks: Alice Kennon, Caroline Paul, Kamogelo Maseko, Kylie van Wyk, Luca Keun, Marichelle Visagie, Melissa van Zyl, Milla Coetzee, Phophi Nematangari, Tinita van Dyk, Kyla Dames, Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa.
Courtesy Varsity Sports
Keep an eye out for tickets to the final happening on October 7 here.
All fixtures, results and the log here.
