The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Senior Women’s Netball team proved their depth and talent on Monday night in Mahikeng, securing a decisive victory over Varsity College in the third round of the Varsity Netball tournament. Opting to give new and young players a chance, coach Bongiwe Msomi fielded a team of first-time Varsity Netball competitors, and they didn’t disappoint.
From the opening whistle, the UJ team established a commanding presence on the court. Goal shooter Kubura Abubakar, goal attacker Kamogelo Motsepe, and wing attack Alexandra Meimaris quickly built a lead, ending the first quarter with a comfortable 13-8 scoreline. Center Luyanda Msomi effectively directed play through the midcourt while Yanke Broodryk on the flanks worked hard to disrupt Varsity College’s offense.
Despite Varsity College’s attempts to mount a comeback, UJ maintained control throughout the game. By halftime, UJ held a solid 24-16 lead. The third quarter was where UJ truly pulled away, scoring six points during Varsity College’s powerplay while holding them to just two. The introduction of senior player Tarle Mathe further solidified UJ’s dominance, and they entered the final quarter with a massive 44-24 lead. Owethu Ngubane added venom coming from the bench, switching between defence and attack.
Star Performance and Team Unity
UJ captain Cornelia Mupenda was the standout player of the match. Her impressive aerial skills and ability to intercept the ball during Varsity College attacks were crucial. Working in tandem with goal keeper Sli Ngcobo, Mupenda’s defensive prowess earned her a second consecutive FNB Player of the Match award and a prize of R1,500.
After the game, Mupenda praised the team’s victory and the performance of the new players. “I thank God that we won the match. Today’s game was great, particularly because we had new, exciting talent. It was good seeing them take charge on court,” she said, adding that she’s looking forward to seeing how the team progresses with the new additions.
A Call to the #OrangeArmy
Mupenda also issued a heartfelt plea to the loyal UJ supporters, the #OrangeArmy, to come out and show their support in person at the upcoming matches. “We’re going to play all our games away from home,” she explained. “We wish to see [our fans] in person in Pretoria and Johannesburg in the coming games.” The team hopes to see their supporters on the sidelines as they continue their tournament run.
Teams:
UJ: Sli Ngcobo, Cornelia Mupenda, Luyanda Msomi, Kamogelo Motsepe, Alexandra Meimaris, Yanke Broodryk, Kubura Abubakar, Makayla Edgcomb, Minette Erasmus, Tarle Mathe, Sammy Ngubane, Tassnique Norman.
VC: Amara Agbai, Kaitlin Barnard, Allison Beck, Caitlin Cunningham, Sarah Feintuch, Stacey Feris, Robyn Hathaway, Adri Kannemeyer, Sikanyiso Mtshwepe, Elzaan Smith, Andrea Van Der Merwe, Casey Weber.
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