UCT will face their most daunting Varsity Netball challenge yet when they come up against the unbeaten NWU-Pukke in Stellenbosch on Sunday.
The Potchefstroom side have had a string of successes, which no teams have yet been able to break.
Most notable, was their 88-16 win against TUT, whom UCT will take on their final game of the tournament the week after next.
While Pukke will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak, UCT are still searching to record their first win of the season.
Dubbed the ‘underdogs’ of the tournament from the offset, UCT have had a turbulent time in the tournament so far.
Some of the games, although resulting in losses, have shown sparks of brilliance and hints of prosperity.
Just last week, UCT attempted a second half comeback in their game against Tuks, and while they were unsuccessful, their performance almost stopped the Pretoria side in their tracks. The UCT team have undoubtedly grown throughout the tournament, and look to learn something from every encounter.
Speaking about the upcoming game against Pukke, UCT coach Stephanie Duursema said: “We want to win this game. It is imperative to focus on a good first quarter.”
Where the side have failed in many of their previous games, is in the first quarter, as the players have allowed the game to slip out of their grasp.
“We have spent a good amount of time on analysing previous first quarters throughout the competition, and we know what should happen. We have to draw first blood,” said Duursema.
The game will take place in Stellenbosch at 15.00 on Monday, and will also be broadcast live on Supersport.
By Megan Kinnaird
