UP-Tuks generally struggle in the beginning of competitions but this doesn?t pose a threat to a lot of the different sporting codes.
The Netball side are aware that they will need to work harder than they have at the start of this competition if they want to get back on top of the log.
Although this team did not end top of the log after USSA Championships, they have added some experience and is defnitely a team not to underestimate.
Tuks Captain Shadine Van Der Merwe, a second year BEd Human Movement Sciences and Sport student as well as a SA u/21 player, is aware of what is needed from her and her team mates in order to get back on top and they are all determined to get there.
Van Der Merwe stated that this Monday’s game against NMMU is not going to be an easy game because they were a tough team in USSA Netball championships.
Even though Tuks beat them then, they cannot afford to take the game lightly because it is a crucial match.
The team has taken a lot of time to prepare themselves in all the aspects of the game, not only physically but mentally too.
“A lot of the girls do their own thing to prepare mentally, such as listening to music or reading quotes, but our coach is a motivational speaker and she likes to motivate us befor our match. She will do this by showing us clips on YouTube and getting us amped up for the game. We have also been fortunate enough to get help from a Sport Psychologist who has been with us since March getting us ready for games especially after a loss,” said Van der Merwe.
Van Der Merwe added that the atmosphere that they have experienced during Varsity Netball has been amazing.
“It is a really nice atmosphere because everyone that is there loves netball, and in the Rembrandt Hall we felt like the people were supporting us even though we were behind in those two games and that motivates you even more. Knowing that there areso many netball lovers and they all shouting for Tuks, is a very embracive moment.
“We can just play this year and try first get used to this competition, we can also use this competition to show case our talents because it’s live on television. We would all love to win as a team,” she said.
The Tuks captain said that the experience her team is gaining in the competition is invaluable.
“Varsity Netball gives us the opportunity to gain more experience, and with more experience you can become a better and more competitive player. It also gives you more confidence on the court but not to think about playing for the people who are there supporting us but to rather play for your team, your coach and for yourself,” she said.
Van Der Merwe does not find motivating her side difficult because they are still a very young team so they do listen to one another a lot easier.
“Unity is very important in our team, for me on court it is important to take the lead, even if you show it through an interception or through a good ball. Trust in the team is also very important for us to pull through because you can?t go through any game without it, and to believe in each other and I really do believe in this team because we are the best and we all believe in that,” she said.
Van der Merwe strongly believes in her team as well as their amazing technical staff and she knows that they can pull through this tough stage of the competition.
By Gabriella Ferreira
