UP-Tuks have undoubtedly been one of the best teams in Varsity Netball since the inception of the competition. However, without winning the title, they cannot be hailed as champions of the game.
Jenny van Dyk’s charges have come close to getting campus bragging rights several times but always seem to fall just short of the title. Their 100% run this season with just a match to go before the semi-final will be more motivation for them to break the curse in this competition.
Van Dyk believes her team has what it takes to win the fourth Varsity Netball season.
“They have the potential to win this, now they have to go out and do it,” she said.
The national Under-19 coach said they have learnt a lot in past seasons and that they will correct their mistakes to reach the final match of the tournament. They will host VUT at the Rembrandt Hall, where they are likely going to have a walk in the park.
“We are on top of the log and I have a smile on my face. But it’s all about the last two matches. The last two seasons have been a learning curve. Most of the time you learn most when you fail, the past two years have been that to us. We are applying those lessons to what we are doing this year,” she added.
The UP-Tuks squad has seen several new faces, however the transition seems to have been a smooth one as they have continued to make an impression on the court. With players such as Lenize Potgieter away on national duty for the Diamond Challenge, Tuks have enough depth to go around. Van Dyk said they players are eased into the team by the senior players when the year begins.
“First year players are coming through the team and most of the senior players are having their last year being together, you have to ease the other younger players in. The seniors embrace the youngsters, it’s a lot for them to play and study at the same time. They get mentorship, they help the first years how to balance this,” she said.
By Busisiwe Mokwena, Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports Reporter
