2021/07/29

The Madibaz will inject youthful energy into their challenge when they compete in the Varsity Netball competition in Stellenbosch.

After last year’s tournament was scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 edition will take place at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre from 21-30 August.

Due to the 2020 cancellation, coach Lana Krige has been working with virtually a new group of players as only three members of the squad have previous Varsity Netball experience.

Krige says the team has worked extremely hard to prepare for Varsity Netball despite the lockdown restrictions.

‘Look, it has been difficult with the stop-start nature of our lives at this stage, and just when you feel you are getting some sort of momentum, the lockdown restricts your planning.

‘In addition, we are dealing with a new group of players as several student-athletes, including our captain Jeanie Steyn, have moved on since the 2019 tournament.

‘So we have not been exposed to the intensity of a competition such as Varsity Netball, but many other teams are in the same boat. It is what it is and we are ready to embrace the challenge.’

Krige is impressed with the commitment the team has shown in the build-up to the tournament.

‘We don’t have massive depth, but the team has trained fantastically well and we do have a special group of players this year.

‘Possibly the Covid-19 limitations have had something to do with this because playing netball has become something they look forward to. It is not something that has become a burden to fit into your schedule, which has made playing the sport enjoyable.

‘There’s a different mindset and I must commend the girls on the effort they have put in during training. Their attitude has been fantastic; nothing is too much for them and there is no complaining when they are faced with difficult challenges.’

Krige admits that the format will test their resilience over the nine days of competition. Matches will be played from 21-25 August, followed by a rest day, and completed from 27-30 August.

‘In normal circumstances, you would be able to ease players into a high-level competition and rely on some experienced players to manage the game plan. But that is not the situation we are facing so the challenge will be how to handle the intensity of Varsity Netball and to adapt to the tactics of different opponents.

‘As I said, however, it’s the same for everyone and we are obviously determined to go out and compete to the best of our ability.’

Madibaz Sport netball manager Melinda Goosen says there has been extensive planning for the resumption of Varsity Netball.

‘From an administrative point of view, there are a lot more boxes to tick before the team gets on the plane to travel to Stellenbosch. But we just focus on taking it day by day. Ensuring the safety of our players is a top priority, as we want them at their best competing against the strongest in the country.

‘It will definitely be a different vibe at the matches as there will be no spectators but this is the new “normal” for all teams. After a year behind us with little to no netball, we are excited to put our team and the players’ skills to the test.’

– Article courtesy Full Stop Communications