Having missed out on the Varsity Netball playoffs for the first tie in 2018, there is much pressure on the Class of 2019 to ‘restore order’, but have they got the credentials to do so?
If last year was a season of disappointment, this is a season of change for the ladies from Potchefstroom. No more so is that reflected than in their squad…
Up to 10 players are new for this Varsity Netball captain, placing much responsibility on captain Monique Reyneke as well as the likes of Didi Keebine, Jessica du Plessis, Mirriam Maroba, Kamogelo Moiloe, Caitlinn Rousseau, Leonie Maree, and Simoné Rabie to be the guiding lights.
As an ex-Proteas Netball player, coach Elsunet du Plessis has been there and done that so should be confident of success in their 2019 campaign. That much was evident at the USSA National Championships when they beat Kovsies in the semi-finals and Maties in the final to reaffirm their credentials.
SQUAD
Monique Reyneke (captain), Didintle Keebine, Jessica du Plessis, Alicia van Staden, Mirriam Maroba, Kamogelo Moiloe, Lucy Strydom, Caitlinn Rousseau, Leonie Maree, Kailah Ferreira, Kaelyn Jansen, Anelda Jacobs, Adivhaho Tshivhiahuvhi, Bianca van Lelyveld, Londeka Buthelezi, Roné Carstens, Simoné Rabie, Tiffani-Amber Africa.
Newcomers in Varsity Netball (10): Alicia van Staden, Lucy Strydom, Kailah Ferreira, Kaelyn Jansen, Anelda Jacobs, Adivhaho Tshivhiahuvhi, Bianca van Lelyveld, Londeka Buthelezi, Roné Carstens, Tiffani-Amber Africa.
* Tallest player: Bianca van Lelyveld (1.88m)
* Shortest player: Londeka Buthelezi, Tiffani-Amber Africa (1.63m)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach: Elsunet du Plessis
Team manager: Tracey Magwebu
TEAM RECORDS
Previous performances: 2018 – 5th; 2017 – 2nd; 2016 – 1st; 2015 – 1st; 2014 – 3rd; 2013 – 2nd
Biggest win: 79 goals (93-14 vs VUT, 2016) & (94-15 vs VUT, 2017)
Biggest defeat: 33 goals (36-69 vs Maties, 2018)
Most goals scored: 94 (94-15 vs VUT, 2017) & (94-30 vs VUT, 2018)
Least goals scored: 34 (34-38 vs Madibaz, 2016)
Least goals conceded: 14 (81-14 vs UCT, 2013)
Most goals conceded: 73 (81-73 vs Tuks, 2018)
Most consecutive wins: 10 (2016-2017)
Most consecutive losses: 3 (2018)
2019 FIXTURES
Round 1 vs Maties (26 Aug, 18:00 @ Coetzenburg Sport Centre, Maties)
Round 2 vs UWC (2 Sept, 16:00 @ Coetzenburg Sport Centre, Maties)
Round 3 vs UJ (8 Sept, 15:00 @ Callie Human Centre, Kovsies)
Round 4 vs Kovsies (9 Sept, 19:00 @ Callie Human Centre, Kovsies – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 5 vs TUT (15 Sept, 12:00 @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks)
Round 6 vs Tuks (16 Sept, 19:00 @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 7 vs Madibaz (23 Sept, 17:30 @ Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre, Madibaz – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
By Ruan Bruwer
