The University of Johannesburg netball team are looking to continue their winning ways when they take on Maties on Sunday night at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre, Stellenbosch.
After a dismal performance against defending champions NWU-Pukke, the Auckland Park side made a strong turn around as they finished off their weekend on a high after a spirit-lifting win against VUT. Evidently, this pushed UJ into the fourth position on the log with 6 points as the fourth round of the prestigious tournament concluded.
UJ Coach Leigh-Ann Zackey-Smal said she was very impressed with the girls’ performance over the weekend despite the bad loss they suffered at the hands of Pukke.
“I really think they picked themselves up beautifully and they really finished very strong, so I’m very very proud of them.”
The former Proteas netball player said a win against Maties would be a great boost for her squad.
“We are really working hard on achieving a win while we prepare everyone mentally for what lies ahead.”
Zackey-Smal said the team’s objectives for this season is to become a better team than they were last year.
“We want to get our rankings up and maybe even try and do better than we did last year, but one does not count their chickens before they hatch so we taking it match for match and step by step.”
Zackey-Smal said injury-wise, her players are looking fine with just a few nicks here and there.
“My one player (Tanya Liechterkost) that was out for the three matches is back and we still have a few nibbles, but it all seems to be fine.”
UJ will face Maties at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre on 18 September at 17h30. They then face UP-Tuks on Monday at 14h30.
UJ team: Deancke Rohde, Kim-Roche Holmes, Ntombizodwa Yengwa, Nhlamulo Mhlari, Angelique Molefe, Jodie Brown, Christell Botha, Courtney Davis, Karabo Mokoena, Nompumelelo Mbonambi, Ntokozo Ramaremisa, Lebogang Malahlela, Tanya Liechterkost
By Liziwe Mbha
