The 2024 FNB Varsity Netball tournament has begun with the usual top four teams dominating the two opening matches of the Bumper Weekend 1 played at Wits University on 1 and 2 September 2024. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has registered equal eight points as the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) who sit atop the log on goal difference (PD 112), with the University of Free State (UFS-Kovsies) in second place (PD 53).
UJ kicked off their campaign with a convincing 46-38 victory over Stellenbosch University (SU-Maties). The team’s dominance was also evident in their second match, where they cruised to a 72-35 win over Mandela University.
Defensive stalwarts Boitumelo Mahloko (GK) and captain Cornelia Mupenda (GD) were instrumental in UJ’s success, earning Player of the Match awards in the two respective games.
Speaking after the opening match, Mahloko said, “It was really important for us to come out here and put our foot down. The win is a good confidence booster going forward and we aim to continue with the same energy in the upcoming matches.”
Coach Bongiwe Msomi’s charges will look to continue their winning ways as they head to Gqeberha for the second Bumper Weekend. UJ will face UFS-Kovsies on Sunday, September 8th at 17:00, and Wits University on Monday, September 9th at 13:00.
SU Maties are in 4th place while North West University (NWU-Pukke) is in the 5th place with one win and one loss each.
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