UJ have yet to reach a Varsity Netball semi-final, with the national captain coaching them who knows what they can be inspired to achieve…
Bongiwe Msomi’s acquisition as coach of UJ could be a masterstroke. The Proteas Netball captain has been an inspirational leader, further enhanced by how well the national team at the recent Netball World Cup.
That said, the immediate glow of her appointment can only last so long before the ability of her players will prove the determining factor to whether they’ll better their best of fifth place (back in 2013).
Half the squad are newcomers to Varsity Netball (including talented vice-captain Beverley Moyake), so the experienced members will have to lead from the front.
SQUAD
Marileé van der Walt, Chanelle Machimana, Rykie Venter (captain), Kaylin Pienaar, Mpumi Mbonambi, Twanette Thoms, Nobuhle Sibisi, Sydney Crows, Beverley Moyake, Kendra Szeles, Nthabiseng Masehle, Liza Kruger,
Alicia Oosthuizen, Amber Petoors, Naledi Peter.
Newcomers in Varsity Netball (8): Chanelle Machimana, Kaylin Pienaar, Nobuhle Sibisi, Sydney Crows, Beverley Moyake, Nthabiseng Masehle, Liza Kruger, Alicia Oosthuizen.
* Tallest player: Kendra Szeles (1.90m)
* Shortest player: Amber Petoors (1.56m)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach: Bongi Msomi
Assistant coaches: David Maree and Nomsa Zungu
Team managers: Siya Ndlovu
TEAM RECORDS
Best performance: 5th (2013)
Biggest win: 54 goals (79-25 vs VUT, 2014)
Biggest defeat: 72 goals (26-98 vs Tuks, 2014)
Most goals scored: 79 (79-25 vs VUT, 2014)
Least goals scored: 25 (25-50 vs Madibaz, 2014) & (25-59 vs NWU, 2017)
Least goals conceded: 24 (63-24 vs UCT, 2013)
Most goals conceded: 98 (26-98 vs Tuks, 2014)
Most consecutive wins: 2 (2013-2014)
Most consecutive losses: 6 (2017) & (2018)
2019 FIXTURES
Round 1 vs Madibaz (26 Aug, 18:00 @ Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre, Madibaz)
Round 2 vs Kovsies (2 Sept, 17:30 @ Callie Human Centre, Kovsies)
Round 3 vs NWU (8 Sept, 15:00 @ Callie Human Centre, Kovsies)
Round 4 vs TUT (9 Sept, 17:30 @ Callie Human Centre, Kovsies – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 5 vs Tuks (15 Sept, 16:30 @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks) – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 6 vs Maties (16 Sept, 16:00 @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks)
Round 7 vs UWC (23 Sept, 16:30 @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks)
By Ruan Bruwer
