Tuks know full well how to reach a Varsity Netball final, but haven’t quite mastered the art of winning them – could 2019 be their year to do so?
The ladies from the University of Pretoria have reached four out of the last five Varsity Netball finals (and three straight) but only have the 2017 title to show for their consistency.
It’s bound to be something that their long-serving coach Jenny van Dyk will try to find an answer for. Perhaps the secret this season will come down to the fact that only four new faces have come into the squad which retains the 2018 Players’ Player of the Tournament Marlize de Bruin.
Star goalshooter Ine-Marí Venter hasn’t been named in the Tuks squad as of yet, but they have left the 16th slot open for when she returns from injury. That might be in time for their run of three games at their Rembrandt Hall home to close the round robin section of the tournament.
SQUAD:
Venetia Grobler, Tshina Mdau (captain), Chantelle Swart, Marlize de Bruin, Danielle van Zyl, Lungile Mthembu, Akosua Mensah, Tracey Mthunzi, Precious Maseko, Jasmine Ziegelmeier, Jamie van Wyk, Anique Grobler, Jani Bergh, Jeanette Vermeulen, Juzelri Garbers.
Newcomers in Varsity Netball (4): Tracey Mthunzi, Precious Maseko, Jamie van Wyk, Jani Bergh.
* Tallest player: Venetia Grobler (1.91m)
* Shortest player: Tracey Mthunzi (1.62m)
COACHING STAFF:
Head coach: Jenny van Dyk
Assistant coach: Sone Mokken
Team manager: Riana Bezuidenhout
TEAM RECORDS
Previous performances: 2018 – 2nd; 2017 – 1st; 2016 – 2nd; 2015 – 4th; 2014 – 2nd; 2013 – 4th
Biggest win: 82 goals (110-28 vs VUT, 2018)
Biggest defeat: 25 goals (43-68 vs Kovsies, 2018)
Most goals scored: 110 (110-28 vs VUT, 2018)
Least goals scored: 34 (34-40 vs NWU, 2017)
Least goals conceded: 12 (78-12 vs TUT, 2013)
Most goals conceded: 81 (73-81 vs NWU, 2018)
Most consecutive wins: 8 (2014) & (2016)
Most consecutive losses: 2 (2013) & (2018)
2019 FIXTURES
Round 1 vs Kovsies (26 Aug, 19:00 @ Callie Human Centre, UFS – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 2 vs Madibaz (2 Sept, 17:30 @ Coetzenburg Sport Centre, Stellenbosch)
Round 3 vs UWC (8 Sept, 15:00 @ Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre, NMU – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 4 vs Maties (9 Sept, 17:30 @ Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre, NMU)
Round 5 vs UJ (15 Sept, 16:30 @ home – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 6 vs NWU (16 Sept, 19:00 @ home – LIVE on SuperSport 10)
Round 7 vs TUT (23 Sept, 18:00 @ home)
By Ruan Bruwer
