UJ coach Lee-Ann Smal says that her team is embracing the challenge of going up against national players in Varsity Netball this year.
A former Protea player herself, Smal is in her first year in charge of UJ who will be hoping to improve on their sixth-placed finish last year.
She has a young team, but they will not be intimidated by the big names in some of the other sides.
“I don’t mind us playing against Proteas, as a player I would love to play against them so that I can measure myself against the best.
“The competition is tough but that is great and makes it more exciting,” she said.
Having assisted NWU-Pukke coach Dorette Badenhorst and with plenty of schools coaching under her belt, Smal is loving the opportunity to take charge at UJ.
“It is a great feeling and everything is so professional, we have a video analyst and a biokineticist, it is a great environment to work in,” she said.
Her goal is to build up this young UJ side for the long term, but hopes to rattle a few cages this season as well.
“It is a very young but talented team and it will be great to build them up for the future.
“There are about five of them with Varsity Netball experience and we are hoping to improve on our fifth place at the USSA champs,” she added.
