On Sunday 17 July South Africa beat Jamaica 43-39 in the World University Netball Championships in Miami. The SA squad and their three coaching staff enjoyed an undefeated run to the final, where they held off a strong Jamaican team to secure victory.
Impressively, 100% of the team and coaching staff have taken part in Varsity Netball, with five universities represented. NWU-Pukke had the largest contingent with five players and a coach in the team that recently won gold.
“Our dream and vision for 2016 became a reality yesterday, when the SA University team were crowned the World Champions at the World University Championships in Miami, Florida,” said Riana Bezuidenhout, President of USSA Netball.
“They proved that South African universities are a healthy, competitive force, to be reckoned with. Preparation platforms such as University Championships and Varsity Netball created the opportunity for players to dream big, work hard and achieve the ultimate goal – gold.
“We are proud of our players, coaches, managers and technical support. This victory is valuable to all student athletes. As Nelson Mandela once said, “A winner is a dreamer that never gives up.”,” she added.
The 2016 season of Varsity Netball is set to be hotly contested, with a number of Proteas and provincial players taking part. The season begins on 5 September 2016.
SA University Netball team:
Charmaine Baard (Maties)
Lindie Lombard (UP-Tuks)
Renske Stolz (NWU-Pukke)
Sigi Burger (NWU-Pukke)
Izette Lubbe (UP-Tuks)
Nadia Uys (NWU-Pukke)
Lauren-Lee Christians (UFS-Kovsies)
Juline Rossouw (Maties)
Jeanie Steyn (NMMU-Madibaz)
Karla Mostert (UFS-Kovsies)
Zandré Kruger (NWU-Pukke)
Kefiloe Tsotetsi (NWU-Pukke)
Non traveling replacement: Romé Dreyer (NWU-Pukke)
Coach: Dorette Badenhorst (NWU-Pukke)
Technical Advisor: Jenny van Dyk (UP-Tuks)
Team Manager: Dumisane Chauke (TUT)
