It is that time of the year again, when Varisty Netball comes at you with extensive action from our student athletes. The fourth addition of Varsity Netball is set to take off on the 5th of September and the UP-Tuks ladies will be hoping to emulate performances which saw them win USSA three years in a row.
There will be a number of players making their Varsity Netball debut for the Pretoria side, with experienced campaigners in Melissa Kotze (formerly Myburgh) and the captains, who have been chosen for this year’s tournament.
Shadine van der Merwe and Tshinakaho Mdau have been named the captains of the University of Pretoria Netball team going forward. Shadine, who goes by Shasha, is currently pursuing a B.Ed Honours in Edu Management Law and Policy. She believes that the team is truly grateful for yet another opportunity to live out their netball dreams on court and embracing their God-given talent.
She is set on the team making the most of this opportunity and simply being the best that they can be. Her goal is to lead by example and she claims she is fuelled by the words of John F. kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the Highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
Tshinakaho, better known as Tshina, is currently studying towards a BComm Agricultural Economics degree. She believes that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Her hopes are that women can be empowered through netball and grow the sport professionally.
The team’s first Varsity Netball encounter will be against a youthful University of the Free State side at the Callie Human Hall. This is a traditionally fierce encounter and will see both sides looking to build up their confidence on their first match of the tournament, which takes place on Monday 5 September 2016. Tip-off is at 16h30
UP-Tuks team: Ine-Mari Venter, Melissa Kotze (formerly Myburgh), Chantelle Swart, Rumandi Potgieter, Anke Nothnagel, Marlize de Bruin, Tshinakaho Mdau (vice-captain), Shongile Hlungwana, Unelle Snyman, Shadine van der Merwe (captain), Jasmine Ziegelmeier, Juzelri Garbers
By Theriso Lethuloe
