It’s going to be first versus second when UP-Tuks take on NWU-Pukke in a highly anticipated match on Sunday afternoon. The Pretoria ladies will be on a high coming off a very successful tour in Port-Elizabeth, they will however, have to contend against the reigning 2016 champions, University of the North-west, in Stellenbosch, as Maties play host.
Both teams have shown great form in the beginning stages of the tournament, winning all their matches so far. UP-Tuks lead the defending champions only due to a superior bonus point return. The University of Pretoria have also shown great skill in their maximisation of power play moments, they have also been a team which has been able to finish strong – a highlight according to team captain Shadine van der Merwe. “If we can begin strong, and end even stronger, that makes us a great team,” she said.
This will be a highly anticipated encounter for netball fans as it sees the action begin to heat up as we head into the back end of the round encounters where the Pretoria team will look to finish off a gruelling travelling schedule before heading back to Tuks to finish the remainder of their round games.
It will then be an exciting Gauteng derby the next day as the team gears up to face the University of Johannesburg on Monday the 19th of September, against a strong UJ side who will be eager to qualify for the semi-final stages.
“The team’s physical preparation is aimed at speed and explosive power for the full 60 minutes. If we can sustain a higher intensity with more sharp movements to penetrate the defence, we will out class any team on the court,” said UP-Tuks strength and conditioning specialist, Waldo van Heerden when asked about how the team manages to maintain their focus on the court.
You can catch the action on Sunday the 18th of September at 16:30.
The Gauteng derby between Tuks and UJ will take place on Monday 19th of September at 14:30. Catch live updates on Varsity Sports Twitter and website.
UP-Tuks travelling team: Ine-Marie Venter, Lenize Potgieter, Chantelle Swart, Melissa Kotze, Dima Mogoale, Izzette Lubbe, Shadine van der Merwe (captain), Marlize de Bruin, Tshina Mdau, Jasmine Zeigelmeier, Juzeldri Garbers, Shongile Hlungwane
By Theriso Lethuloe
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