1. Lots of parallels between coaches
When Maties faced UJ the similarities between the two coaches (Christine Behan of Maties and Leigh-Ann Smal of UJ) were very interesting. Both are married, both mothers, both were born in 1982, both are blond, both played for the Proteas, both were born in the province they are currently living in, both coach the university’s team where they studied and both studied a sport related course!
2. Very few tight encounters in Varsity Netball
The NWU-Pukke became the first (and still the only) team after 20 matches to receive a losing bonus point for finishing within seven or less goals of an opponent. Pukke lost by four goals (48-52 to Tuks).
3. Big following amongst rugby players
In Stellenbosch there is quite a big interest in netball from rugby players and former players. In Round Five, former players Matthew Proudfoot and Louis Blom, as well as current members of the Blitzboks, Chris Dry, Sandile Ngcobo and Ruhan Nel were all spotted in the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch. Neil Powell, coach of the Blitzbokke, is another regular face at the home fixtures of the Maties.
4. Player of Maties has a special place for the Bulls
Annerine Snyman, goal shooter of Maties, who was the FNB Player of the Match against UCT, is the younger sister of rugby player, RG Snyman. He plays lock for the Blue Bulls and is tall like his sister – 2.06m. She is 1.88m – one of the tallest players in the competition. They both played SA Schools for their respective sports in 2013.
5. Hand Vanes a microphone more often
Vanes-Mari du Toit, who played Varsity Netball in 2013 and 2014 for UP-Tuks, makes a very good commentator. She was a guest commentator for SuperSport and gave some great insights. She is a player that can operate at either goal shooter or goal keeper.
