The University of Pretoria will have five unfamiliar players in the team when they take on the Vaal University of Technology on Monday, 3 October as coach Jenny van Dyk rests some of the senior players.
“To be selected for this team is an incredible honour. I am able to see first-hand how the best of the best perform at top levels,” said second-year student, Dune Streukter.
Rumandi Potgieter echoed these sentiments, saying “I have trained with the team for a year now and it is still surreal seeing your name on the team list and being able to put the stripped dress on. Being in grasping distance of semi-finals, I know everyone is really excited and everyone’s heads are in it.”
Having already secured a home semi-final, this final round match could see the team emulate their 2014 season, where they finished an unbeaten first on the log. They will have to contend with a struggling VUT team looking to finish with an upset to their name. Although this is a relatively inexperienced UP-Tuks side, they will be led by the experienced team captain, Shadine van der Merwe, who has been a major contributor to the team’s success.
“I had a few struggles throughout the year, with a few emotional decisions I had to make,” said Van der Merwe. “ But I am honoured to lead the team in captaincy, and they bring out the best in me.” Van der Merwe is upbeat after an incredible comeback to the Pretoria team following injury setbacks and leading the team from the front with two FNB Player of the Match awards in the tournament so far.
When asked about their approach in the tournament moving forward, she said, “Going into the semi-finals in two weeks’ time gives us time to prepare well. It’s a whole new competition starting from the semis but we are looking forward to the challenge and playing the best netball ever.”
Visit the Varsity Sports twitter page and website for live updates of this encounter.
UP-Tuks team to face VUT: Melissa Kotze, Chantelle Swart, Rumandi Potgieter, Dune Streutker, Dimakatso Mogoale, Anke Nothnagel, Kim Swanepoel, Shongile Hlungwane, Unelle Snyman, Juzeldri Garbers, Shadine van der Merwe (captain), Jasmine Ziegelmeier.
By Tay Lethuloe
