The University of Johannesburg caretaker coach David Maree is determined to secure his squad a win when they will face VUT in their final encounter of the 2018 Varsity Netball season on Monday night at the UJ Sports Hall, Soweto.
The Auckland Park side have had a lacklustre spell, only securing two points thus far and remaining in seventh place on the log. Not only will maximum points cement their position, it will also be a positive end to the prestigious competition. Meanwhile, the Vaal University of Technology troops will be throwing everything at UJ as they attempt to secure points and climb out of the bottom of the log and finish seventh over UJ.
Maree gives his thoughts of his team’s performance against UWC.
“I must admit that I was very impressed with the players in our match against UWC, I think we played a beautiful game. We were well prepared, strategically, because we went with a game plan and the girls stuck to it. As you all witnessed that we had lost in the last minutes of the game [against UWC], but I was highly impressed with their commitment, their loyalty, and how they fought to the end.”
Maree said he is only hoping for the best as they approach their final fixture.
“Going into our match facing VUT, obviously we have sat down and we’ve looked strategically at the game. We will be having our final two practice sessions this weekend in preparation of our encounter against VUT on Monday. We definitely have a game plan and we will approach VUT very cautiously as it is our last match, and we are hoping for a victory to end this season on a high note with a strong seventh place position in Varsity Netball. “
Maree said his squad is only expecting an intense and thrilling match against VUT.
“I think our last two games, especially with our games against UWC and VUT will be very intense as we are all at the bottom of the log and we are all fighting for a higher log position. I expect a fight from both sides and we will keep it in mind not to underestimate VUT. We have monitored their strengths and weaknesses, with the hopes of capitalising on their weaknesses and using our strength to make a difference. It’s going to be a fight until the bitter end but we are up for that challenge and I’m convinced that my team is going to have the upper hand.”
By Liziwe Mbha
