The coaches of the eight universities in Varsity Netball made their choices to determine the three finalists, now it’s up to the public to choose the Player of the Tournament for 2016.
The finalists are Romé Dreyer of NWU-Pukke, Khomotso Mamburu of Kovsies and the captain of UP-Tuks, Shadine van der Merwe. The absence of Juline Rossouw, goal defender and captain of Maties, as well as Kruger, goal keeper of Pukke, and Lenize Potgieter, goal shooter of Tuks, are three players who must have been strong contenders.
Romé Dreyer (Pukke)
Ané Botha (2013) and Karla Mostert (2014 and 2015) previously received the accolade. According to Dreyer (22), who plays centre, the nomination come as a huge surprise.
“I really did not expect it as I didn’t feel I had such a good series up to now. I feel I could have done so much more. But the nomination motivates me and actually gives me a lot of confidence (for the last match or two of the season) and drives me to end on a high. “It’s a huge honour for me and I feel privileged to be one of the three,” Dreyer said.
It’s her third year of Varsity Netball, having played for Tuks in 2013 and 2014. About the possibility of getting her name on the match ball next year (as the Player of the Series), she said it is not something she had thought about. “But it would be something quite special.”
Khomotso Mamburu (Kovsies)
Mamburu, a goal defender who led Kovsies in their last two matches, said words can’t describe the feeling. “To think that others see me as a candidate for player of the series just blows my mind. Having my name on that ball will be so great.
“Stepping on court and leaving a mark in every game is what I aim for and I think being nominated prove that I left a mark,” Mamburu said.
Although the 21-year-old is playing in her third campaign, it was the first year she was part of the starting line-up. “Finally starting for the Kovsies, being part of the leadership on and off court, seeing all the early mornings, long training hours and extra sessions pay off, is indeed a great feeling.”
Shadine van der Merwe (UP-Tuks)
Van der Merwe, also a goal defender who played on wing defence in some quarters, missed the majority of last year’s competition with a serious knee injury. It is her fourth Varsity Netball Series. “Just to be back on court and getting the opportunity to play was already so great. The nomination was a bonus.
“My personal goal was simply to play again and to be the best leader for the team,” the 23-year old said. About the possibility of her appearing on the match ball, the popular Van der Merwe was ready with a quip.
“Well it might be a problem – my name is quite long to write it out in full! But it won’t be about me or the game, but the people behind the scenes whom I’m grateful for.”
* Voting closes on 17 October at 11am. The winner will be announced at the final. To vote for your Player of the Tournament, click here https://a.pgtb.me/B4vKQz
