Sandisiwe Msibi
In a dramatic turn of events, TuksNetball clinched their third Varsity Netball title in a nail-biting final that went into extra time. The electrifying victory unfolded in front of their home crowd at Rembrandt Hall on 18 September. The home crowd witnessed history repeating itself, as TuksNetball secured the championship without suffering a single defeat throughout the tournament, reminiscent of their remarkable 2019 campaign.
Under the expert guidance of their coach, Jenny van Dyk, and led by inspirational captains Kamogelo Maseko and Alice Kennon, the TuksNetball team faced off against the formidable University of Johannesburg. The outcome had everyone at the edge of their seats until the very last second. At the end of the regulation, the score was tied at 51, forcing an extra time period. After an overtime thriller, the final score stood at 63-61 in favour of Tuks, securing their third Varsity Netball title.
The TuksNetball team’s success is not only a testament to their skill on the court but also to the support they receive from their fans and supporters. Co-captain Maseko expressed her gratitude to the fans, “We wouldn’t be here without you guys. Thank you so much for the love and encouragement.” This was a memorable Varsity Netball debut for Maseko, who played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph. She was named the FNB player of the match in the semi-final against the University of Stellenbosch (Maties).
The 2023 Varsity Netball Tournament was a gruelling test of athleticism and sportsmanship, with teams from universities across South Africa competing at the highest level. However, it was TuksNetball that stole the show.