This year’s Varsity Netball tournament will provide more than just a physical challenge, according to Faith Motau.
The TUT coach believes the team that deals best with the pressure is likely to walk away with the trophy.
‘I think it is going to be extremely tough on the bodies,’ says Motau of the tournament that will take place at Stellenbosch University’s Coetzenburg Indoor Centre from 21-30 August. ‘Not just because of the nine matches in 10 days, but because the players haven’t played for such a long time. Their bodies are not used to it.
‘It will be a case of mind over matter,’ she adds. ‘The team with the toughest “mental muscle” will lift the trophy.
‘We’ve been training a lot, doing match plays as well as organising quite a few matches in which we tried to keep the intensity throughout.’
Motau is now coaching the team she played her last Varsity Netball match for in 2019. Before that, she was a member of NWU from 2013 to 2015, and a finalist for the Player of the Tournament in 2014.
SQUAD (10 NEWCOMERS)
Cindy Selwana, Nkoloki Malebana, Mpho Mabitsela, Mpho Gololo, Pretty Msiza, Kamohelo Masilo (captain), Phindile Sithole, Thandiswa Dladla, Nosipho Mzindle, Nokwanda Mbuyazi, Nonkululeko Hlophe, Vuyiswa Mchunu, Zethu Ntshangase, Nokuphila Shwala.
COACHING STAFF
Coach: Faith Motau
Team manager: Emily Mathosa
PLAYER TO WATCH
Nonkululeko Hlophe. The goal defence and goal attack has represented the South African U18 and U20 teams in the same year (2018). She will make her debut for TUT in a national competition.
TEAM RECORDS
Previous performances: 2019 – 7th; 2013 – 7th
Biggest win: 16 goals (51-35 vs UCT, 2013)
Most goals scored: 51 (51-35 vs UCT, 2013)
Least goals conceded: 35 (43-35 vs UCT, 2013 & 51-35 vs UCT, 2013)
Most consecutive wins: 1 (2013 & 2019)
By Ruan Bruwer
