Having last played a competitive match in May, new UWC coach Danlee Mathews is very much aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
This year’s Varsity Netball tournament will take place in a bio-bubble at Stellenbosch University’s Coetzenburg Indoor Centre from 21-30 August.
Mathews says the bio-bubble and short turnaround between matches will be a new experience for her players, with only Heidi Kuzatjike, Courtleigh Behr and Gailynn Potts having played Varsity Netball before.
‘It’s going to be tough, physically and mentally. Most of the girls have not been exposed to this type of environment and it will be a test of their mental strength.
‘The players are hungry to take to the court again, play the sport they love and perform,’ adds Mathews, a former Proteas player and the Baby Proteas assistant coach this year. ‘But it will be taxing on their bodies with no easy games.
‘Obviously, our match fitness isn’t where we would like it to be and we have had a couple of injuries too.’
SQUAD (11 NEWCOMERS)
Heidi Kuzatjike, Courtleigh Behr (captain), Gailynn Potts, Adri Kannemeyer, Anneska Smit, Chané Engelbrecht, Danelle Lochner, Heike Swartz, Leandré Ketch, Nadine Hyman, Renisha Daniels, Shevonne Hoffman, Tecara Kleinsmith, Wiandi van der Merwe.
COACHING STAFF
Coach: Danlee Mathews
Team manager: Retha Louw
PLAYER TO WATCH
Danelle Lochner. The goal shooter is a former Protea (2017-2018) and also represented the SA Fast5, SA President’s XII, SA U21, SA U20 and SA U18 teams. She was previously a member of Kovsies.
TEAM RECORDS
Previous performances: 2019 – 8th; 2018 – 6th; 2017 – 6th
Biggest win: 24 goals (67-43 vs VUT, 2017)
Most goals scored: 74 (74-42 vs VUT, 2018)
Least goals conceded: 43 (67-43 vs VUT, 2017)
Most consecutive wins: 2 (2017 & 2018)
By Ruan Bruwer
