Following the completion of the Varsity Women’s Basketball round robin phase, Sunday’s final between NWU and VUT at Wits Sports Hall already has ‘revenge’ as its theme.
Both finalists had an opportunity to test each other out ahead of the titanic battle, with NWU coming out on top with a thrilling 65-55 victory. It was the opposite result when the same teams met in the USSA final back in July, and now VUT have a blemished Varsity Women’s Basketball record, so now both teams have their reasons for seeking retribution come midday on Sunday.
Following Saturday’s game, varstysportssa.com caught up VUT head coach Zanele Ngwenya, who shared their experience of the first Varsity Women’s Basketball tournament.
“We have actually had a taste of Varsity Basketball before against NWU in 2018, when we played in an exhibition match during the men’s tournament. So the girls came in prepared and sort of had an idea of what to expect coming into this year’s tournament. So adjusting has been quite smooth, and we are excited for what lies ahead,” Ngwenya explains.
A tournament like Varsity Women’s Basketball usually takes a lot of preparation, which the VUT team did through playing many games, to get their players match fit and ready for the busy schedule.
“Ahead of the tournament we prepared well, we actually spent most of our time playing friendly games against NWU in the Vaal. We in fact played them about seven times, so we at least also know them quite well ahead of the final but they also helped us prepare well for Varsity Women’s Basketball.”
Most people would believe a coach would make many changes after losing a game against a team they will meet again but coach Ngwenya thinks otherwise ahead of the final.
“For the final, the team will remain the same with no changes. I play all of the players so nothing much will change. In today’s game, we were just unfortunate, because none of our shots were falling, with only our point guard landing her shots. Tomorrow will however be a different game, where we will look to defend better as well as improve our shooting,” Ngwenya concluded.
The final of the Varsity Women’s Basketball game between VUT and NWU is set for a 12pm start at the Wits Sports Hall in Johannesburg, with this mouthwatering encounter also being televised on SuperSport 211. Tickets are available for R10 at the tournament venue.
By S’fiso Nyawo
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