The University of Pretoria will be seen as overwhelming favourites going into the second Varsity Netball semi-final on Monday, 10 October in Pretoria, as the team finished an undefeated first after the group stages.
Although the team have had a near faultless tournament so far, they will not be without challenges as the side have had a notorious reputation for failing when reaching the knockout stages. Coach Jenny van Dyk and her team will be hoping to overcome this against a good Madibaz side who have already claimed a shock victory against former champions, UFS-Kovsies. UP will also have to contend with the fact that no less than five of their players took part in the Diamond Challenge earlier this week.
“Five of the players were called up for national duty this past week, we are very proud of them. Our first priority is to make sure these players recover well before the semi-finals Monday while for the rest of the team we are busy fine tuning our main focus areas under pressure,” commented van Dyk.
UP-Tuks will, however, be coming into the encounter extremely confident as they come off their largest winning margin against VUT this past week. Captain Shadine van der Merwe has also put in solid performances throughout the competition, which has seen her earn a nomination for player of the tournament as goal shooter Melissa Kotze seems to be finding good form. The Pretoria ladies’ individual performances seem to be combining well as a team. Coach Jenny believes that they have not played to their full potential, which is a frightening thought to the opposition having had the best offense and defence in the competition so far.
“The competition starts all over now, what we have done up to date will give us confidence but will not define us. We know that it’s all how we perform from here on. The team has nothing to lose, they are hungry and motivated,” concluded Van Dyk.
UP-Tuks team to face Madibaz: Ine-Mari Venter, Melissa Kotze, Tshina Mdau, Marlize de Bruin, Shadine van der Merwe (captain), Juzeldri Garbers, Jasmine Ziegelmeier, Shongile Hlungwane, Lenize Potgieter, Unelle Snyman, Chantelle Swart, Izette Lubbe
By Theriso Lethuloe
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