Madibaz captain Mothira Mohammad wants her team to translate their intensive preparation into a confident performance when they begin their Varsity Netball campaign on Saturday.
The competition will take place in a bio-bubble at Stellenbosch University’s Coetzenburg Indoor Centre from 21-30 August.
Mohammad and her teammates have been working hard for several months to prepare for what will be a rigorous challenge for all sides. Matches will be played each day, except for Thursday, 26 August, a rest day.
The 22-year-old, who has taken over the captaincy from the experienced Jeanie Steyn, says it will be important for her side to believe they can overcome any obstacle.
‘My message to my colleagues is that I want them to focus on going into this tournament with a positive mindset,’ says Mohammad. ‘They need to show confidence in their performances as they have been working hard to prepare for the tournament.’
As the competition did not take place last year, the Madibaz are fielding a new, untried squad under the guidance of experienced coach Lana Krige and manager Melinda Goosen.
Mohammad acknowledges that there will be some tough games ahead.
‘Most of our ladies in the squad have only experienced schools netball, and the level of play in Varsity Netball and the pace of the matches will be something we will have to adapt to. But we are also a dynamic and enthusiastic team with great energy and that will benefit us going into a 10-day bubble.
‘We have prepared well for this occasion through visual training, attending gym sessions, and having on-court exposure with our coach.’
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She adds that their top priority will be to focus on their own performances and to work on constant improvement during the course of the tournament.
‘We want to learn more about ourselves because we are also preparing for the USSA [University Sport South Africa] tournament in September.’
The Madibaz will take on UWC in the opening match of Varsity Netball on Saturday (09:00, SuperSport Variety 4, channel 209).
– Article courtesy Full Stop Communications
Photo: Catherine Kotze/Varsity Sports
