The Maties netball team, fresh from a strong opening weekend in PE, now turn their attention to Tuks and UJ and know that a victory will keep them among the pacesetters at the top of the table.
With two big victories over VUT (96-26) and UWC (76-37) to start their 2018 season, the Maties know that they can bank on a run of home-games to try and book a home semi-final and potential home final.
Speaking exclusively to Varsity Sports the veteran Sasha-Lee Petersen was very happy with the good start to the season.
“We knew that a solid start would give us the confidence to play to our strengths and also help the younger players settle into the team.”
Petersen is part of a core of experienced players who know what it takes in Varsity Netball and also said that having a group of seasoned players gives them an advantage with dealing with challenges and making good decisions under pressure.
“We want all our fans to come out knowing we are ready and want to play high-tempo netball on Sunday and Monday.”
The ladies in maroon have qualified for the semi-finals every year since 2014 and know that they can mix it up with the best in the competition. While they have only beaten Tuks once, back in 2015, they have been very close when facing them in Stellenbosch. The scores of 51-47 in 2013 and 54-51 in 2015 are indicative of how close it is, and with a lively crowd behind them the Maties will want to make history on Sunday evening by beating Tuks in from of their Coetzenburg faithful.
Team for the Bumper Weekend:
Charmaine Baard (GS), Sian Moore (GS), Nichole Taljaard (GA), Abeline Olivier (WA), Adri Uys (WA), Carla Werth © (C), Sasha-Lee Petersen (WD/C), Zhane Petersen (WA), Alison Malgas (WD), Caleigh Sturat (GD), Lauren Addendorf (GD/GK), Stephanie Brandt (GK/GD).
Maties Varsity Netball Fixtures
2 September: Maties vs Tuks, 19:00, Coetzenburg (Live on SuperSport)
3 September: Maties vs UJ, 19:00, Coetzenburg (Live on SuperSport)
9 September: Maties vs NWU, 17:30, Coetzenburg (Live on SuperSport)
10 September: Maties vs NWU, 19:00, Coetzenburg (Live on SuperSport)
24 September: Madibaz vs Maties, 18:00, Coetzenburg
By Dorfling Terblanche
