After a nail biting match against UP-Tuks, UJ continue to take the positives out of their performances.
The Johannesburg outfit went down 61-50 to their local rivals on Monday, but there were definitely some encouraging signs.
“It is always tough to lose and stay positive, but the support we had on Monday, most definitely boosted our performance,” said UJ Netball Manager Charlotte Scholtz.
The team from UJ is currently in the process of shaking off their enemy, themselves. Their biggest challenge is believing in themselves and correcting unnecessary mistakes, sticking to the game plan and learning some tough lessons makes the team stronger by the minute.
The team will stay motivated by focusing on specific team goals and to go out there to attain those goals.
“Our approach is to gain valuable experience in this competition,” added Scholtz.
Determining what is required for a competition of this magnitude and put strategies and plans in place for the future will be a main focus for Scholtz and her team.
UJ’s team consists of many junior players with a lot of potential and UJ is privileged that they will retain most of their current team members for next year. Their experience will be an added advantage for the future.
“Our aim is to attain the best possible result in the competition that we can and to not be discouraged,” she said.
UJ captain Debbie Nieuwoudt is an excellent motivator on and off court, together with Matlala Mokoko the team vice-captain. Niewoudt plays hard and inspires the rest of the team to do the same, she provides the much needed stability on court.
After the match, she commented: “We are happy with how we played as our focus was on playing our own game.”
UJ’s game plan for the match against Tuks was to keep it short and to have patience on the attack.
“This we did very well and we executed the plan well,” Niewoudt added.
“If we look at the road we travelled in 2013, we have certainly come a long way,” said Scholtz.
The team has learnt to adapt and play out of their comfort zone, and for Charlotte and her team, there is no other way than to just look forward.
Scholtz thanked all supporters for their patience with the team as this building phase promises to take them to higher levels.
“We are motivated and determined to restore everyone’s faith and support in us and we will definitely keep on working hard,” she said.
