1. Lines seem to confuse players
The numeral lines on some of the netball courts on which Varsity netball matches are taking place seem to be quite confusing for players. Especially the back lines at each end of the court. It appears to be difficult for shooters and defenders to differentiate between the different colours that are used for other sporting codes as well.
2. Strange kind of job for netball coach
Whilst Dorette Badenhorst, coach of NWU-Pukke, was away on national duty, the team was prepared by former Proteas defender Julene Meyer. If Meyer isn’t coaching she is farming in Namibia as her day job.
3. Madibaz causes a surprise
Yes the University of Johannesburg’s win over Kovsies was a surprise to many, but the first and real upset thus far in the competition, was the Madibaz victory over Pukke by 38-34. It was the first time in the competition that they were on the wrong end against the Eastern Cape students.
4. Tough on the bodies
The stamina of two specific UP-Tuks players, Izette Lubbe and Tshina Mdau will be put to the test on Monday against the Madibaz in the semi-final. They will then play their sixth match in the space of eight days. Lubbe (for the Proteas) and Mdau (for the national Presidents team) both played four matches in the Diamond Challenge in Durban.
5. To be successful in Varsity Netball you need depth
And no university seems to have a larger group of quality players than Tuks at present. Against TUT on Monday Tuks were without five players – Lenize Potgieter, Izette Lubbe, Tshina Mdau, Ine-Marí Venter en Marlize de Bruin – who all played in the Diamond Challenge. Nevertheless they still nearly scored 100 goals (winning 91-24) without them.
