The Varsity Netball captains look ahead to this year’s tournament, which will be played in a bio-bubble at Stellenbosch University’s Coetzenburg Indoor Centre from 21-30 August.
SIKHOLIWE MDLETSHE (KOVSIES)
How have Kovsies prepared for 2021 Varsity Netball?
Our preparations have been very intense, with a few interruptions here and there due to lockdown regulations. Everyone was fighting for a spot in the team. We had two or three players competing for every position, which fostered healthy competition within the team. All in all, I believe we’ve had good preparations.
How do Kovsies plan to deal with the challenge of playing the tournament in a bio-bubble and playing nine matches in 10 days?
Luckily, most of us know what the bubble environment is like as the senior players got to experience it in the netball league. Playing nine games in 10 days will definitely be a daunting task but we are ready for it, both mentally and physically. We are really hungry for Varsity Netball – it’s by far the most prestigious tournament for student-athletes.
What are your expectations for Kovsies heading into the tournament?
As a team, we expect to play every game at the highest level of intensity and skill. We expect to see the fight in each other and the strength to take on whatever gets thrown at us. I expect us to grab this opportunity to play with both hands and run away with it from the onset.
SIAN MOORE (MATIES)
How have Maties prepared for 2021 Varsity Netball?
It’s been quite a journey, one I’m fortunate enough to be a part of. Many steps have been taken over the past couple of months to prepare us for the tournament both physically and mentally. The playing field has changed since Covid-19 hit – by this, I mean the nature, duration and conditions of the tournament – so the preparations had to follow suit. In unconventional times, we had to prepare unconventionally, by training when we could, where we could, and as hard as we could, while constantly adapting to the various environments and circumstances. One thing is for sure, though, through thick and thin, this is the team, the unit, the Maroon Machine that will stick together, and work through whatever comes our way. I say this with not a doubt in my heart, because this is exactly what we’ve had to do during the preparation for this tournament.
How do Maties plan to deal with the challenge of playing the tournament in a bio-bubble and playing nine matches in 10 days?
The short answer to this question is simple: take it one day at a time. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by an amazing group of individuals who have grown together to be the unified team you will see during Varsity Netball. The connection between teammates is so genuine, the respect we have for each other and the understanding of one another is something that will work in our favour for this kind of tournament. It is for this reason that we haven’t had to dwell on the fact that we will be playing in a bio-bubble for 10 days. In terms of the nine matches, the team is excited, we’ve been grinding this year and now it is time to go out and do what we do. This will be a demanding tournament, no doubt, but luckily Maties are equipped with an amazing management team. Each member there has a specific purpose and drive, only wanting to see us succeed as sportswomen in that beautiful maroon dress.
What are your expectations for Maties heading into the tournament?
I expect the team, myself included, to go out there, take the court fearlessly, and pay tribute to all the successes and hardship we went through together to get to this point. The journey hasn’t been easy and we have had to draw strength from each other and up above to keep going. I expect the players to honour themselves and the person standing next to them in the huddle, valuing each and everyone’s contributions, sacrifices and roles they play in the team’s successes. Play with passion, live with honour. Don’t be scared to be excellent, be courageous. I am so incredibly proud to be captaining such an incredible side.
JESSICA DU PLESSIS (NWU)
How have NWU prepared for 2021 Varsity Netball?
We have been working very hard in the gym and on court. We initially thought that the USSA [University Sports South Africa] tournament would offer some preparation but it has been moved. However, that has motivated us to work even harder. Varsity Netball is always such an exciting tournament and because we missed out on it last year, we are highly motivated to make our mark again. Our youngsters are very keen to train and participate, which makes the seniors’ preparation exciting too. Everyone is working hard towards our common goal.
How do NWU plan to deal with the challenge of playing the tournament in a bio-bubble and playing nine matches in 10 days?
It is going to be really tough, but luckily we are a bunch of girls who like spending time with each other. Everyone is hungry to play some netball, so the bio-bubble won’t be a major problem for us. I believe that because we have a good squad, we will be able to cope with playing so many games in such a short time, and spare some bodies to carry us through to the end.
What are your expectations for NWU heading into the tournament?
I think if you ask any team this question, it would be to win the tournament. But because we are quite a young squad and in a building stage, my expectations are just to play good netball, with a bunch of great girls, leave everything out on court and essentially leave the dress in a better way. Obviously, each individual has goals and dreams that they want to achieve and most importantly our own team goals that we have set for ourselves, and if we can achieve these, we can expect good results in the tournament. Being one of the senior players, it would be an absolute dream to win the tournament and it would be especially special with teammates who have been with me for the past six years like Didi [Didintle Keebine] and Caity [Caitlin Rousseau].
KAMOHELO MASILO (TUT)
How have TUT prepared for 2021 Varsity Netball?
We have worked harder than usual, putting effort into adjusting to a new approach to the game and putting in hours to sharpen our skills. So far things have been gradually moving in the right direction. The coaches and the technical staff have been very supportive throughout the process. The sisterhood in the team is at its greatest, everyone knows their responsibility in the team and we all know what this opportunity presents and means for all of us. The training hasn’t been easy but we understand that’s the price to pay to play at our best.
How do TUT plan to deal with the challenge of playing the tournament in a bio-bubble and playing nine matches in 10 days?
Nine games in 10 days is obviously a challenge and new to all of us. I believe we have the right mindset to get through it all. We have the best team at its peak performance and we have the support of the coaches and staff. We have been through enough training to know what nine games in 10 days will demand of us. I strongly believe we can pull through with the versatility of the team. We should just trust in the training and work we have done to be at this point and try to stay positive.
What are your expectations for TUT heading into the tournament?
Varsity Netball is a big stage and platform. I personally understand what it requires from me in terms of my mental sharpness, performance and the role I play. I am expecting my team to produce their best and not succumb to the pressure, but to take this moment and make it a memory and enjoy themselves in the process. Once we have this in order we can then focus on the games and take every game as it comes and give it our all.
ALSO READ: Varsity Netball captains’ quick-fire Q&A (Part 1)
