Kovsies players are all over at the moment, and while Khanyisa Chawane and Meagan Roux are representing the Proteas in the Quad Series, Alicia Puren and Sne Mdletshe are in Uganda playing the in World University Netball Championship.
The tournament kicked off on Monday, 17 September, and South Africa got off to an overwhelming start as they beat the USA 117-4. With Alicia starting the game with her excellent shooting and Sne coming off the bench as a fiery pair of fresh legs, the USA team did not stand much of a chance.
On the second day of the tournament, South Africa did not let up as they beat Sri Lanka 116-5. This game saw Sne in the starting seven in the centre position. On Wednesday, South Africa faced two opponents, Singapore and Zimbabwe, and defeated both teams with scores of 92-11 and 105-13, respectively. Singapore were faced with the Kovsies combo in the starting line-up at goal shooter and wing defence, and against Zimbabwe Sne started on wing defence, with Alicia coming off the bench.
The coaches are using the opportunity to change the team set up quite often, between games as well as during half time breaks, allowing each player a chance to play and trying completely different combinations. However, with game time, players receive strict instructions that need to be carried out throughout the matches and the focus is on playing good, tactical netball.
Alicia’s thoughts so far: “Africa is not for the faint-hearted and there are a lot of factors that can count against you, but it is extremely important to keep your head up and control the variables that you have control over. It has been a wonderful experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given.” Alicia also believes that Uganda will be their toughest competition when she and the team take on the hosts on Friday.
Sne’s thoughts: “Uganda has been quite an experience. I’ve really been enjoying it, although the humidity gets to be sometimes. Uganda is quite different to South Africa, from cultures to the way things are done, to the traffic. Being in a new team with different players and a different management structure has been something great to be a part of. Definitely a learning curve. Every day I learn and grow as a player both on and off the court. I’ve never has an experience like this, being able to be in a team that has different opponents each day and I am truly grateful and blessed to be a part of this and to enjoy netball. Keep the fire burning!”
The tournament will come to an end on Friday, which means that Alicia and Sne will be back in Varsity Netball action as they are set to take on the North West University in Bloemfontein on Monday, 24 September, hoping to secure a home semi-final.
South African team at WUNC: Alicia Puren, Chante Louw, Nicole Taljaardt, Chantelle Swart, Tshina Mdau (C), Sne Mdletshe, Marilize de Bruin, Lungile Mthembu, Nobu Phuza, Jeante Strydom, Jasmine Ziegelmeier, Stephanie Brandt (VC)
Upcoming fixtures
Thursday, 18h00: SA vs Kenya
Friday, 12h00: SA vs Uganda
Friday, 18h00: Finals
