UJ defeats UFS in extra-time thriller to advance to Varsity Netball final

In a pulse-pounding Varsity Netball semifinal showdown in Bloemfontein on Monday night, 21 September 2026, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) delivered a masterclass in grit and endurance to defeat the University of the Free State (UFS-Kovsies) 57-54. Firing from all cylinders in UFS territory, the Orange Army outlasted their formidable hosts in a relentless extra-time battle to seal their place in the 2026 final.

UJ Netball Centre Tarle Mathe contests for the ball in the Varsity Netball semifinal in in Bloemfonte

The fixture proved to be an absolute tug-of-war on the scoreboard, matching the electric energy of a roaring crowd that turned the arena into a pressure cooker worthy of the national netball stage. UFS-Kovsies struck first, holding a tight 10-9 edge at the end of the opening quarter. UJ responded with authority in the second term to snatch a 22-18 lead at halftime, before maintaining a slender 34-32 advantage heading into the final interval. UFS came out guns blazing in the fourth quarter, fighting back fiercely on court to level the contest at 47-47 at the final whistle, forcing the high-stakes clash into extra-time.

It took every ounce of tenacity for UJ to break the deadlock in extended play, replicating their success from the round-robin stage where they previously defeated Kovsies 50-40 in Johannesburg. The victory caps off a season defined by resilience and relentless tactical execution in five away bumper weekends.

Reflecting on the grueling contest, UJ Captain Alexandra Meirmaris praised her team’s composure under fire. “It was such a tough game – literally one goal per team in almost all the quarters. I’m so proud of the girls, we have worked hard all season and to see us getting this far is incredible. I’m so happy for the team,” said Captain Alexandra Meirmaris.

Kubura Abubakar earned the FNB Player of the Match for her goalscoring heroics for UJ in the Varsity Netball semifinal

With Kovsies put away, the Orange Army now sets its sights on ultimate redemption in the Varsity Netball 2026 championship match on Monday, 28 September 2026. UJ will square off against North-West University, setting up a tantalizing rematch against the side that knocked them out in the 2025 semifinals.

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