As anticipation mounts for the upcoming Varsity Netball tournament starting on Sunday, 20 August we preview defending champions Maties. The air is electric with excitement as netball enthusiasts eagerly await to see if the maroon machine from Stellenbosch can secure back-to-back titles. The stage is set for a riveting season that promises to showcase the finest talent and strategic prowess in the 2023 tournament.
Maties
Maties are the defending champions after they beat NMU in last year’s final in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Stellenbosch, with coach Zanele Mdodana afterwards saying “We’ve been building up to this moment, the hard work that’s gone in, year in, year out. We knew today was our day.”
This year, Mdodana says the preparations have been going well and there is a certain expectation. “To be the best Maroon Machine we can be, focusing on the task in the moment. We are looking forward to a solid campaign this year.”
She is also excited about the youngsters joining the squad. “There are nine first-years in our Varsity Netball squad of 16. They are young dynamic players who contributed to us winning back-to-back USSA titles.”
Maties squad: Lisa Ingwersen, Rochelle Maree, Chrisley Marshall, Renezia Andrews, Nerine Koopman, Kerrin de Nobrega, Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen, Entle Futshane, Miriam Ndjadji, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Zane Bodenstein, Lara Steenkamp, Hannah Olivier, Thabisa Yekani, Carla Janse van Rensburg.
Written by Varsity Sports