The one sure thing when the netball teams of Tuks and Kovsies clash is that it is going to be a humdinger until the referee’s whistle finally falls silent.
Monday in Bloemfontein, when the two teams face each other in the third round of the Varsity Netball Tournament, will be no exception. On paper, many will consider Kovsies to be the favourites. The team, after all, is the defending champion. But then Tuks have proven themselves to be a team that doesn’t just give up.
Tuks goalkeeper, Zioné Grobler, is under no illusions about what awaits her and her teammates on Monday, as she is one of the more experienced players. She was part of the Tuks team that won the Varsity Tournament in 2023. She missed out on playing last year due to a broken leg.
“I am actually excited about Monday’s game against Kovsies. Obviously, I am also slightly nervous as there are only a handful of us who know what it entails to play Kovsies in front of their home crowd. It will come down to each of us taking accountability for what happens on the field for the full 60 minutes.
“Kovsies are definitely one of the most difficult teams to play against because they are so clinical on the ball. We as defenders are going to have to be incredibly alert. There will not be a moment during the game when we can rest on our laurels. It will be essential to read the game from the first minute. Kovsies’ striker, Rolene Streutker, is one of the best. It means I will have to be at my best as a goalkeeper in the circle.”
Grobler was brilliant as a goalkeeper against Varsity College on Monday. This should come as no surprise because when she is in the circle, there is only one thing that matters – she doesn’t give up. Within the rules, she will do anything to prevent the opposition goal shooter from scoring.
Things can get heated in the circles – attack and defence. Getting bumped around is part and parcel of the game. Just ask Grobler.
“Personally, I prefer a more physical game because I am a “hard” player. When I play, I am on the line. I can also play more loosely when necessary. How I play depends on one game to another. It is essential to be adaptable. This is one of the most valuable skills of a skilled netball player. If my opponent is physically strong and I realise that the referee’s interpretation of the rules is lenient, then my game is more physical. “It’s a way to tire your opponent.”
The play on Monday between Tuks and Kovsies will start at 15:00.
