The University of Johannesburg netball squad are out to bounce back into the top four when they clash against Kovsies in the sixth round of the 2016 Varsity Netball season on Monday night at the Rembrand Hall.
UJ has only managed one win in five matches as they dropped further down the pecking order after two disappointing results last weekend against Maties and UP-Tuks. This leaves the Johannesburg-based side in sixth position with seven points, making their chances of a top-four finish slimmer than before.
Meanwhile, the Free State netball side has maintained their bronze standing as they continue their campaign for the title with a solid 15 points on the group log with the hopes of overtaking defending champions NWU-Pukke into the second position.
UJ coach Leigh-Ann Zackey-Smal said her squad has improved immensely as they displayed a fighting spirit in the last four games.
“We’ve really been working hard and mentally preparing ourselves for the matches. Sunday night’s game was an awesome display of what UJ can do and a match like that can also play a positive role on a player. For the first time this year, I’ve actually seen UJ step onto the court, play for one another and fight right up to the end.”
Zackey-Smal said she is excited to see what UJ can do in their fixture against Kovsies.
“The girls have really been working hard. We’ve been working on a lot of points and strengths of ours so I can’t wait to see what they can do.”
The retired netball player said her squad is mentally ready for what’s waiting for them as the 2016 spell progresses.
“I think they are doing very good. They had a great training session on Wednesday and yesterday night and mentally I do think they are ready for what’s waiting.”
The match kicks off on Monday at 17h30 live on SuperSport 7.
UJ Team: Deancke Rohde, Kim-roché Holmes, Ntombizodwa Yengwa, Nhlamulo Mhlari, Angelique Molefe, Jodie Brown, Christell Botha, Courtney Davis, Karabo Mokoena, Nompumelelo Mbonambi, Ntokozo Ramaremisa, Lebogang Malahlela, Tanya Liechterkost
By Liziwe Mbha
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