Given the factors in their favour, three-time Varsity Netball winners will start the 2019 season as one of the favourites.
Proteas Netball star? Check! A high number of returnees with experience of winning the title? Check! Lots of home games…? Check!
If anybody was in any doubt that Kovsies will again be the team to beat in the 2019 Varsity Netball season, then the evidence will quickly change their mind.
Of course, sports matches are never won on paper or history, and fan-pressure can mount quickly on a team. Nonetheless, here is a more in-depth analysis of Kovsies’ 2019 credentials:
SQUAD
Oageng Khasake, Lefébre Rademan (captain), Bianca de Wee, Rieze Straeuli, Meagan Roux, Rolene Streutker, Zandré Smit, Gertriana Retief, Khanyisa Chawane, Linten Matthews, Abeedha Masimla, Ané Retief, Chanel Vrey, Sikholiwe Mdletshe, Ancia Pienaar, Jana Scholtz.
Newcomers in Varsity Netball (7): Rolene Streutker, Zandré Smit, Oageng Khasake, Linten Matthews, Abeedha Masimla, Chanel Vrey, Ancia Pienaar.
* Tallest player: Gertriana Retief (1.89m)
* Shortest player: Oageng Khasake (1.60m)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach: Burta de Kock
Assistant coach: Karin Venter and Martha Mosoahle-Samm
Team manager: Corné Marais
TEAM RECORDS
Previous performances: 2018 – 1st; 2017 – 4th; 2016 – 5th; 2015 – 3rd; 2014 – 1st; 2013 – 1st
Biggest win: 77 goals (93-16 vs UWC, 2017)
Biggest defeat: 22 goals (36-58 vs NWU, 2016)
Most goals scored: 93 (93-16 vs UWC, 2017)
Least goals scored: 36 (36-58 vs NWU, 2016)
Least goals conceded: 13 (89-13 vs UCT, 2013)
Most goals conceded: 62 (41-62 vs Tuks, 2016)
Most consecutive wins: 12 (2014-2015)
Most consecutive losses: 3 (2017)
2019 FIXTURES
Round 1 vs Tuks (Monday, 26 August @ home – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 2 vs UJ (Monday, 2 September @ home)
Round 3 vs TUT (Sunday, 8 September @ home)
Round 4 vs NWU (Monday, 9 September @ home – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 5 vs Madibaz (Sunday, 15 September @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 6 vs UWC (Monday, 16 September @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 7 vs Maties (Monday, 23 September @ home – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
By Ruan Bruwer
