I can’t believe we are now left with just one more match in this season’s Varsity Netball.
I must say this has been the most exciting of the three editions of the competition with some of the upsets we have seen and the high level of netball displayed by the different teams.
The final on Monday between Maties and NWU-Pukke will likely be the best and most watched this season as we await new champions. Hopefully these teams will not be cautious on the night, so we can see the fighting spirit between the two as most people missed the rematch of the third round match where Maties won as it was not televised.
The battle will be between the young goal shooters and goal attacks from the teams, Sigrid Burger and Reneske Stoltz of Pukke and Nelandre Mostert and Jo Prins from Stellies in the shooting circle. Being clinical and composed will be the difference in getting the desired number of goals but also making good offensive rebounds will be an added advantage. This season, rebounding hasn’t been a problem for most of the teams in Varsity Netball. One of the most improved aspects in the game.
Maties’ performance throughout this season makes them the team to beat. Their boldness and courage has made a lot of people fall in love and rally behind them in the competition. The manner in which Pukke started the competition, they were ruled out of the last four of the competition. However beating two time Varsity Netball champions Kovsies has given them a new lease on life.
As this is the final match, it would be interesting to know if Netball South Africa and the selection committee have decided who will go into the Baby Proteas’ squad or training camps preparing for the Under-21 World Championships next year and how many players from the final two teams will get selected.
All eyes will be on the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre for the crowning of the new Varsity Netball champions! Let’s stay on side!
By Busisiwe Mokwena, Daily Sun sports reporter
