NWU AIMS FOR VARSITY NETBALL GLORY

Lesiba Dikhoba 

@lesiba.dikhoba 

 

The North-West University (NWU) Senior Women’s Team is preparing for their opening FNB Varsity Netball clash against Madibaz netball at the Wits Sports Hall on Sunday afternoon — with the team determined to go the extra mile and clinch the 2024 edition. 

 

The team was knocked out in the semifinal against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the previous campaign. The NWU head coach, Elsunet du Plessis, says the disappointment of missing out on the final motivates them to get over the line. 

 

“The disappointment of not making the final last year is a great motivator for the team. We want to fight for a different outcome and we will focus on each game as if it is the only game,” said Du Plessis. 

 

With the head coach emphasising a one-game-at-a-time approach, the focus now shifts to their opening match against Madibaz. Du Plessis reported that preparations are going well and her team is excited for the challenge, “The team’s preparation is going very well, there is a good atmosphere in the team and everyone is excited to see if all the hard work will pay off.” 

 

She further highlighted the strengths of their opponent and expressed confidence that her team has a solid strategy for the game. “We have been doing video analysis and came up with a good strategy to counter the Madibaz. Areas that make Madibaz strong will be the speed of their midcourt and their accurate tall shooter,” she says.

 

The NWU coach highlighted captain Martiné Jordaan’s exceptional leadership, noting her significant growth as a leader. The coach expressed confidence that Martiné would continue to be an exemplary role model for the team both on and off the court.

 

Varsity Netball is recognised as a key platform for emerging talents to gain experience and grow. “It’s a privilege and they should take it with both hands,” noted Du Plessis while she highlighted that it’s important for her players to make this opportunity count. 

 

Coach Du Plessis also shared an appreciation message with the NWU fans and the broader university community, “The team has been working very hard on various aspects and is very excited for Varsity. Your support will be greatly appreciated, and your backing will provide us with that extra bit of motivation to give it our all and play with purple pride.”

 

NWU’s provisional squad: Sunel Smit, Nadine Hefer, Jade Egwatu, Andrya Joubert, Tlotlang Mokomela, Kega Mashilo, Nicola Oosthuizen, Jomari Lübbe, Johanné Meyer, Amori Matthee, Casey Davids, Jaylin van Zyl, Risima Ngobeni, Sanmarie Visser, Martiné Jordaan and Izaan Snyman. 

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt