Madibaz on the charge in Varsity Netball tournament

Madibaz on the charge in Varsity Netball tournament:

Madibaz’s Nolusindiso Twani, who will be in action against North-West University in Port Elizabeth on Monday, has earned several best shot awards during this year’s Varsity Netball tournament. Photo: Asem Engage

Coach Lana Krige believes the Madibaz are on course to move up a position on the Varsity Netball log when they play North-West University in Port Elizabeth on Monday.

Following mixed success in their previous two rounds in Pretoria, the Eastern Cape side are lying fifth after three wins in five matches.

They dominated their match against University of Johannesburg on Sunday and earned a bonus point in their 57-29 victory, but their campaign lost some steam when they went down to University of the Free State on Monday.

After trailing Kovsies by 14-25 at the end of the second quarter, they lost 42-51 in a hard-fought encounter.

“We made it difficult for ourselves not beating them this weekend,” said Krige, who felt the Madibaz had the ability to overcome the team who were currently second on the log.

“It was silly mistakes that cost us, but these are things we can work on and improve. As we get more exposure in tougher games, we’ll become better.”

Despite the disappointment, the former Protea player said she believed more than ever that the Madibaz had the skillset to compete with the leading teams as they had shown resilience every time they went on court.

Looking ahead, she said a bonus point in their next few games would go a long way in getting them back on track to achieve their goal of finishing in the top four.

Krige said she was proud to see how the team have pulled together throughout.

“Everyone has risen to a new level in their own way and they’re all playing a crucial role.

“Although Jeanie (Steyn) has been named player of the match a couple of times and Lucy (Nolusindiso Twani) has picked up a number of shot of the match awards, it’s not about the individual performances. It’s about the team as a whole.”

Led by Nandipha Jack, Madibaz will face Pukke on Monday afternoon in their second home game of the tournament.

“For our next games we’ll make sure to maintain our own style of play where we attack hard and keep a tight defence.”

Krige said the home support would be a valuable aspect when the girls went head to head with the log leaders.

“Competing in the Eastern Cape is a truly unique experience for any sporting team; there’s a vibe that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

“That is definitely something that fires up the girls. We are really looking forward to a fantastic, vibey Monday evening.”

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Source: Port Elizabeth – MyPR.