The popular tournament will see the first two rounds played in Stellenbosch before moving to Bloemfontein. The Kovsies are the defending champions and will once again be coached by the legendary Burta de Kock, who will be assisted by two Proteas and former captains, Karla Pretorius and Sikholiwe Mdletshe. 

Mdletshe is also a Springbok Women’s rugby player. Last year’s winning captain, Refiloe Nketsa, the current Free State Crinums skipper and Protea, will serve as the team’s manager.

Refiloe Nketsa. Photo: Asem Engage

De Kock told OFM Sport everything is in place, the team is ready, and she’s looking forward to seeing the “babies” in action.

“What a wonderful opportunity again for the University of the Free State to be part of Varsity Netball.   

“2024 was an incredible journey, and now we’re starting a new chapter. We don’t want to rely on last year’s successes. We lost two very vital players, but we’re blessed to have brilliant athletes. 

“Xandri Fourie and Reratilwe Letsoalo were invited to the Protea trials. We also have Liamé de Lange and talented shooters like Marie Duran, as well as attacking players like Megan Roux, plus the first-years who joined the Kovsies squad this year.”

“We’re looking forward to an exciting time on court and to seeing what the ladies can do. We started with the SA Universities tournament, which went very well for our first-years and gave them valuable court time.

“Varsity Netball is such a privilege to be part of, and preparations have gone smoothly every day. I’m lucky to have co-coaches like Karla Pretorius and Sikholiwe Mdletshe, and a manager like Refiloe Nketsa. They all know what’s expected and how to meet those expectations. What a privilege it is to coach this group.”

Burta de Kock. Photo: Asem Engage

“We’ll take it game by game. We don’t underestimate any team – nothing comes easy. But we want to start strong, stay strong, and finish strong, aiming for a positive season. We’re focusing on the journey, not just the results.

“We’re truly blessed to have everything in place and can’t wait for an awesome season.”

Sunday’s clash between the Kovsies and Witsies at Coetzenburg will start at 19:00, followed by the Kovsies versus UJ on Monday at 13:00.

Other first-round fixtures:

• 13:00 – Maties vs UJ
• 15:00 – NWU vs Varsity College
• 17:00 – UP-Tuks vs Madibaz

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg