On Monday it will be a titanic clash at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch when the NWU-Pukke face Maties for their first match of this year’s Varsity Netball tournament.
No doubt that both teams will fight till the very end, in what could be one of the most physical matches at the start of this tournament, with both teams seeking to begin their journey with a victory.
In the 2015 final Pukke clinched the match against Maties with a historical win of 50-37. If the Maties can get off to a rhythmical start it could be a difficult task for the champions.
The NWU-Pukke hope to continue with the momentum gained at this year’s USSA championship in which they played in the final against Tuks. They ended second on the log and have nine players from that team included in their Varsity Netball squad.
When the champions were asked about the emotional aspect of running out on the court on Monday, they made it clear that their attitude will be one of focus and determination.
“We will approach this game as if it is the finals again. Our side want to make a statement to say we’re here to win for a second time,” said Chanté Bester, captain of the NWU-Pukke.
With experienced players such as Sigrid Burger, Renske Stoltz, Kefiloe Tsotetsi and Zandré Kruger, they hope to retain the title yet another year.
Pukke face Maties on 5 September at Coetzenburg Indoor Centre at 19:00. The match will be live on SuperSport 10.
NWU-Pukke team: Mandy Hermanus, Marike Maree, Romé Dreyer, Jeanté Strydom, Jomari Myburgh, Zandré Kruger, Kifiloe Tsotetsi (Fifi), Jessica du Plessis, Chanté Bester, Monique Reyneke, Simone Rabie, Marna Claassens
By Raynique Meyer
