Having made the semi-finals in 2018, expectations to match that achievement will be high on Madibaz this time around.
Madibaz matched their 2013 achievement in making the final four in last year’s Varsity Netball, and from the outside they have the credentials to do so again.
Four of their round robin matches will be played at their Port Elizabeth base, they have retained experienced coach Lana Krige and not many numbers have come on gone from their squad.
However, they have lost some of their most senior players so there will be an element of finding out who – besides captains Jeanie Steyn and Bianca Blom – will be the dominant forces when inspiration is needed.
SQUAD
Jody Vorster, Bianca Blom (vice-captain), Jamie-Leigh Goeda, Hlumisa Sithonga, Jeanie Steyn (captain), Siphosethu Kilani, Lieze Greeff, Mothira Mohammed, Noluthando Maliehe, Dillian Pienaar, Philene van Niekerk, Marna Visagie, Mihlali Mahlangeni, Carla Viviers, Anita Giba, Hlomla Puzi.
Newcomers in Varsity Netball (7): Jamie-Leigh Goeda, Siphosethu Kilani, Mothira Mohammed, Noluthando Maliehe,
Marna Visagie, Anita Giba, Hlomla Puzi.
* Tallest player: Jody Vorster (1.88m)
* Shortest player: Dillian Pienaar (1.58m)
COACHING STAFF
Head coach: Lana Krige
Team manager: Nandipha Jack
TEAM RECORDS
Previous performances: 2018 – 3rd; 2017 – 5th; 2016 – 5th; 2015 – 5th; 2014 – 5th; 2013 – 3rd
Biggest win: 48 goals (75-27 vs VUT, 2016)
Biggest defeat: 65 goals (22-87 vs Tuks, 2016)
Most goals scored: 75 (75-27 vs VUT, 2016)
Least goals scored: 22 (22-87 vs Tuks, 2016) & 22 (22-44 vs NWU, 2017)
Least goals conceded: 16 (45-16 vs UCT, 2014)
Most goals conceded: 87 (22-87 vs Tuks, 2016)
Most consecutive wins: 3 (2013) & (2018)
Most consecutive losses: 3 (2014) & (2017)
2019 FIXTURES
Round 1 vs UJ (26 Aug, 18:00 @ home)
Round 2 vs Tuks (2 Sept, 17:30 @ Coetzenburg Sport Centre, Maties – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 3 vs Maties (8 Sept, 16:30 @ home – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 4 vs UWC (9 Sept, 19:00 @ home)
Round 5 vs Kovsies (15 Sept, 15:00 @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 6 vs TUT (16 Sept, 14:30 @ Rembrandt Hall, Tuks)
Round 7 vs NWU (23 Sept, 17:30 @ home – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
By Ruan Bruwer
