The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Senior Women’s Netball Team narrowly missed out on the 2024 FNB Varsity Netball championship, finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive year. In a thrilling final against the University of Free State (UFS-Kovsies), UJ fell short by 3-points difference as the game ended 58-55 in extra time on Monday night, 7 October 2024 in Bloemfontein.
The final match was a high-intensity affair, with both teams showcasing exceptional skill and determination. The game remained close throughout, with UJ and UFS-Kovsies trading blows and exchanging leads in the closing quarter. Ultimately, UFS-Kovsies emerged victorious in the extra period, securing the championship title.
A season of success:
Despite the heartbreaking loss in the final, UJ’s performance throughout the tournament was commendable. The team won seven out of nine matches, showcasing their dominance and resilience. Their only defeat came against UP-Tuks in the round-robin stage (in game 7).
The two teams interchangeably sat in the top spot on the log, separated by a single point since the start of the tournament. UJ and UFS-Kovsies met in Round 3 during the round robin stage in Gqeberha where UJ won 51-46.
With skillful maneuvers on court and end-to-end action from the opening quarter, and a dash of controversial umpires’ decisions against the visitors, the high tempo game turned the arena into euphoria and a frenzy.
In the semifinals, UJ eliminated North West University (NWU-Mafikeng) with a 55-48 final score, while UFS-Kovsies eliminated defending champions University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) with a 68-62 final score.
Reflections from the coach:
Coach Bongiwe Msomi expressed her pride in the team’s performance, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. She highlighted the close nature of the final and praised both teams for their exceptional play.
Reflecting on the UJ performances in the 2024 edition of Varsity Netball, Msomi said, “Firstly, we’re gutted that we could not take gold this year. However, we are extremely proud of our journey in terms of our performances. Having had the final decided in extra time tells you that we have fought hard. I am proud of the girls because they work very hard and it shows every time.”
She added, “We didn’t expect to have an easy final. It was a great game of netball with two best teams playing in the final. With these performances this year, I can only imagine what it is going to be like next year. It was just a matter of luck on the day in terms of who wins the championship after such good performances between the two teams.”
Msomi thanked the UJ community and the fans who travelled to the various games during the tournament bumper weekends in Johannesburg, Mahikeng and Bloemfontein to support the team.
Quarter scores:
Q1: UJ 11-13 UFS; Q2: UJ 21-23 UFS; Q3: UJ 34-35 UFS; Q4: UJ 47-47 UFS; Extra time: UJ 55-58 UFS.
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