Although NMMU had a sad exit in Varsity Netball, Nandipha Jack believes they had an exceptional season. Reaching the top four and beating a powerhouse like NWU-Pukke in the process, is indication that the Port Elizabeth team has improved this season despite the fact that they lost 87-22 to Tuks in the semi-final of the competition.
“We had a great season and we will not define our season according to this game,” said Jack. “This doesn’t represent our best talent, play and combinations on court. As underdogs who made it into the semi-final against a team that hasn’t lost, it was a bit too much for us. It made us go into our shells and by the time we broke out from them, it was already too late.”
Jack said they improved as the competition went along and that didn’t only put them in the semi-finals but it has pushed them up one spot in the rankings.
“One of the nicest things about Varsity Netball is that it allows you to go as strong as you can. It’s not about the wins you get, but the finish. We finished so strong in the group stages that we got points to play in the semi finals, that is what we were aiming for. That’s what every team aims for especially when you come from number five on the log, you want to go further than that and up your rankings. We are the only sport at NMMU that went to the semi-finals, so for us it’s a great achievement,” she added.
Although Jack doesn’t count out the possibility of representing South Africa, she said she plays to inspire young netball players in Port Elizabeth and New Brighton, where she hails from. She has donned the green and gold for the Under-19s before, which is one of her netball career highlights.
“Sometimes you reach a point in life where you just play for the love of netball. I play because I want to inspire the girls from where I come from. For me to be seen on TV and in the newspapers, it’s an achievement. I encourage young girls to play netball to their best abilities and it they can get selected into the national team, then that’s great.”
By Busisiwe Mokwena, Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports Reporter
