Nicholé Taljaard was handed the captaincy of Maties this year and couldn’t have asked for a better start than the 54-38 win over two-time champions NWU.
The 22-year-old goal attack is playing in her third Varsity Netball tournament and, off the court, is a fourth-year BSc Sport Science student.
Of course, there’s much more to Taljaard than facts and figures. She opened up to varsitysportssa.com to reveal more…
Most memorable match in the tournament over the years?
The high-scoring encounter against the Kovsies last year in Stellenbosch which we lost by just three goals (56-59).
What part of Varsity Netball do you enjoy the most?
Standing on court one minute before the game starts, just feeling the energy from the crowd.
What’s your hobby outside of netball?
Surfing.
What job do you think you’d be good at?
House wife or a farmer.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I really enjoy playing tennis.
What’s the most impressive thing you know how to do?
A head stand.
What are you addicted to?
Coffee.
Which current opposition player would you have on your team and why?
Khanyisa Chawane of Kovsies. She seems to be a very hard worker on and off court.
What’s your least favourite netball exercise?
Repeated sprints.
With which celebrity/celebrities do you have a photo together?
Nathalie Emmanuel who stars as Missandei in Game of Thrones.
What day in your life would you like to repeat?
3 May 2016. It was my birthday. I got to spend the entire day with my whole family. We are a large family, so it is not often that we could all be together.
What song have you completely memorised?
The alphabet. I don’t think I have ever been able to sing an entire song without turning it into a remix.
By Ruan Bruwer
