The five-time Varsity Netball champions, the University of the Free State (UFS), suffered their first defeat, while their local counterparts, the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, hunt their second win in Round 5 of the series at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Sport Hall on Sunday 6 September.

The Kovsies lost narrowly (48 – 50) to their arch-rivals and defending champions, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles, in a fierce rematch of last year’s final at the Callie Human Centre on Monday 31 August. The UFS team were looking to avenge last year’s 49 – 57 loss to the Eagles in the final at the same venue.

However, the visiting Eagles replicated their killer performance when they dethroned the Kovsies 57 – 49 — crushing the UFS’ prospects of a sixth title. The result left the Kovsies still in second place with 13 points, behind the undefeated University of Johannesburg (UJ). The Gauteng side boasts 16 points at the top and looks to put the Kovsies to the sword in their upcoming match. Victory over the UJ would be perfect for coach Burta de Kock in Sunday’s fixture.

The CUT fought gallantly to record their first-ever win, beating the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Madibaz 41 – 36 in a match that was a must-win for both, given they were desperate to end their respective losing streaks. Led by Martha Mosoahle-Samm, the CUT now boasts five points and hope to consolidate their standing on the log in the remaining fixtures of the series.

The competition is in its crucial phase, and powerhouses are tightening their grip as they target semifinal berths. Following the completion of round four of the series in Bloemfontein, favourites include the Eagles, last year’s runner-up the UFS, UJ and the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks), as well as Wits.