Defending Varsity Netball champions Kovsies started their 2022 campaign on a winning note against UWC on Saturday. Last night, however, they encountered a determined Maties who were out for revenge for their loss in 2021 final. In the end, the Maroon Machine edged out their competitors from Bloemfontein 57-53.
Despite the loss, the dazzling attacking play of Kovsies’ Bianca de Wee, saw her picked as the player of the match. A beaming De Wee afterwards said:
“It’s not how we start, it’s how we finish. There are a lot of positives we can take from the match, how we made sure the connection between defence and attack was strong, and how we kept on motivating each other.”
This year is De Wee’s fourth appearance in Varsity Netball, making her one of the senior players on coach Burta de Kock’s side.
Varsity Sports grabbed De Wee for a quick chat.
On Kovsies gunning for a record fifth Varsity Netball title:
“We are going all the way to defend our title. This year’s teams are very strong which makes it the best against the best.
“Our connection is our winning recipe, everyone is striving towards the same goal. We are all team-oriented, we have a specific goal that everyone wants to reach, and we will do anything to get there.”
On the role Varsity Netball has played in her career:
“My journey started in 2018 when I got my Kovsies debut, and it is one of the biggest honours that I have had. It is a massive achievement for me, I remember being the only first-year selected back in 2018 and now I’m part of the senior players.
“It is such a great honour to compete in Varsity Netball, I don’t take it lightly as it is an opportunity for me to showcase my talent. It’s just great that we have this kind of platform at a university level and to compete with other universities. It’s super exciting and I think we are all grateful for this opportunity.”
On growing up in Paarl and choosing netball over swimming, athletics and hockey:
“I had a wonderful upbringing and I have been competitive from a young age. I fell in love with netball because my mother was my U7 and U8 coach, and that was so exciting for me. Every time I got to play, my mother would be on the court, coaching me.
“She has been the biggest reason why I took netball seriously. My parents always made me understand the concept of working hard and being determined. Today I enjoy my moments because I work hard for them.”
On the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa:
“Even though I am not part of the squad, I am excited for the World Cup and for those who are selected. It would mean a lot to become a Protea, ever since I was a little girl I always proclaimed that one day I will represent my country. It would be a great privilege to play for the Proteas.”
By Lehlogonolo Ditshego
