Nadia Uys, former captain and long-time servant of NWU-Pukke, believes one can never write of the underdog as Pukke find themselves in a Varsity Netball semifinal against Kovsies in Bloemfontein.
“Kovsies is an experience team and currently on a high and they have home ground advantage.
“It is not going to be easy environment to play in. But I believe one must always be wary of the underdog as Pukke is in this case,” she said.
According to Uys it is in matches like these when the senior players have to step up and guide the younger ones.
“It is going to take a team effort. Position and the minimum mistakes are going to be key in determining the winner.”
Uys signalled out Karla Mostert, goal defence of the Kovsies, as a threat.
“She is a brilliant player and very experienced. We can’t afford to concede intercepts to her.
“Basic, accurate netball will be the winning receipt,” she said.
Uys, who missed out on the inaugural Varsity Netball tournament in 2013 due to an injury, said it is a pity this series did not start earlier.
“It is without a doubt the most enjoyable and exciting competition on the netball calendar.
“Everything is so well organised and professional. I would have loved to be a bit younger.”
Uys who turned 26 on 5 October is too old to play in this year’s series.
She was the captain when North West won the national championship in August – the first time the province won the title in her playing career that stretches back to 2008.
* Kovsies have won eight out of their last 11 encounters against Pukke. One ended in a draw.
The previous five results in the Varsity Series:
2013:
Pukke 60, Kovsies 46 (group stage)
Kovsies 44, Pukke 40 (final)
2014:
Pukke 45, Kovsies 45 (group stage)
Kovsies 51, Pukke 45 (semifinal)
2015:
Kovsies 47, Pukke 38 (group stage)
By Ruan Bruwer, Volksblad
