To be the best, to beat the best, to become the best. That is the challenge the Kovsies netball team has taken on, says coach Burta de Kock.
The Free State students will start the eighth edition of Varsity Netball as the most successful team with three titles (2013, 2014 and 2018).
The tournament will take place at Stellenbosch University’s Coetzenburg Indoor Centre from 21-30 August.
‘We prepared as best we could,’ says De Kock. ‘Lockdown allowed us to follow a different conditioning programme. We never stopped training and I’m blessed to say we are fit.
‘Yes, game fitness is something different, but I think after the second or third game the players will know what their bodies require and be able to adapt. Managing the players will be crucial as well as using all 14 players.’
Kovsies have five members left from the 2018 winning team, including the Proteas’ Khanyisa Chawane and Sikholiwe Mdletshe.
SQUAD (7 NEWCOMERS)
Rolene Streutker, Khanyisa Chawane, Sikholiwe Mdletshe (captain), Bianca de Wee, Ané Retief, Chanel Vrey, Jana Scholtz, Claudia van den Berg, Liané Burger, Arné Fourie, Xandri Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Pheladi Mametja, Sheneca Smith.
COACHING STAFF
Coach: Burta de Kock
Team manager: Janine de Kock
PLAYER TO WATCH
Khanyisa Chawane. The centre court player is one of the high-profile players in the competition and one of the most senior, having debuted in Varsity Netball in 2015. In 2017 she was named Player of the Tournament. Chawane has established herself as a guaranteed selection in the Proteas team.
TEAM RECORDS
Previous performances: 2019 – 3rd; 2018 – 1st; 2017 – 4th; 2016 – 5th; 2015 – 3rd; 2014 – 1st; 2013 – 1st
Biggest win: 81 goals (99-18 vs UWC, 2019)
Most goals scored: 99 (99-18 vs UWC, 2019)
Least goals conceded: 13 (89-13 vs UCT, 2013)
Most consecutive wins: 12 (2014-2015)
By Ruan Bruwer
