BLOEMFONTEIN: The 2025 edition of the Varsity Netball cup will commence on Sunday, 24 August, when all eight top-seeded universities teams clash. The contest will culminate with the final on 29 September.
The matches are scheduled to be played at the Coetzenburg Centre in Stellenbosch, the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein, the North-West University’s (NWU) Mafikeng Great Hall in Mahikeng, the Rembrandt Hall at the University of Pretoria (UP), and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Multi-Purpose Sports Hall in Johannesburg.
The five-time winners, the University of the Free State (UFS) women, will begin the quest of defending their title against the Wits team. The Burta de Kock-led side lifted the crown after defeating their arch-rivals, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), in a 58 – 55 bout – becoming the most successful team. The UFS team’s target will be to extend their hot streak to six ultimate victories this year.
The UP-Tuks is second in line with three crowns, followed by the NWU in third place with just two titles under their belt.
The other clubs that will be vying for bragging rights this year are the UJ (2024 runners-up), Stellenbosch University, the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and Varsity College – which replaces the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Last year, the defending champions pair scooped coveted accolades in addition the the main trophy. The pair of Refiloe Nketsa and Rolene Streutker were named the FNB Player of the Match and the FNB Player of the Tournament, respectively.
However, this year, Nketsa will take the role of team manager alongside the vastly experience De Kock as mentor, and Karla Pretorius as the assistant coach. Nketsa replaces teammate Khanyisa Chawane, who was team manager last year. The latter is on national duty as captain of the Spar Proteas national women’s netball team.
Lethal shooter Streutker will be on the court to spearhead the Kovsie squad in the ambitious challenge for a sixth title, and is expected to tap into experience gained after a successful stint in the Super League in England.
De Kock has been working to sharpen her charges, psychologically and physically, for tough battles in this edition of the netball league.
The respected mentor’s inspiration and ability is unquestionable in advancing the development of netball in the country.
