This has to be dubbed as the year of the underdogs. Who would have seen a final between Maties and NWU-Pukke when the season started?
I take my hat off to these two teams, they gave us a memorable Varsity Netball final and congratulations to coach Dorette Badenhorst for being able to overturn their slow start and walking away as champions at the end of the competition.
Badenhorst can go and celebrate with her charges after working hard to bring glory to Potchefstroom after a long season. It must have been the sweetest revenge for Pukke after that rematch of the third round of matches.
The level of netball displayed this season has increased the standard of the game in the competition, I think we have to brace ourselves for even a harder Varsity Netball competition next year. The young players that are coming up the ranks are using this platform to make a name for themselves for the future.
Nobubele Phuza and Karla Mostert played in their last Varsity Netball this season, it will be interesting to see who their teams, NMMU and UFS-Kovsies, will put in the defensive circles next year.
Both players gave their all for their respective teams and good luck to them for the future. Speaking of the future, I am looking forward to hear of Mostert and Lenize Potgieter’s progress in their new Netball Superleague side Team Bath next year. I am sure they will represent the country well there.
Also congratulations to Mostert for walking away with Player of the Tournament two years running and to Phumzile Shandu for being voted Players’ Player of the Tournament.
I am hoping that next season we will see UJ, VUT and UCT improve in the competition. Both Maties and Pukke have proven that anything is possible in this competition as long as hard works and dedication is put in.
It seems the seven weeks flew past, the netball has been amazing. I am looking forward to seeing another explosive netball action next year. Until then, stay on side.
By Busisiwe Mokwena, Daily Sun sports reporter
