Eleven-time National Basketball Association champion head coach Phil Jackson once said, ‘The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.’
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) netball team can testify to this following their incredible performance at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament. The team might have missed being promoted to the Super league A section after losing their final game but are fully aware that they have players on the team that will ultimately get them there. After five days of the toughest netball challenge in varsity sports, UJ had several players selected for various teams and accolades.
Head coach of the team David Maree celebrated several of his players starting with their top performer during the tournament. He said, “There was an incredible team spirit among the players and the team stayed motivated and kept focused on their ultimate goal but I must commend Beverly Moyake on an outstanding tournament. She has been a key player in our defensive structure and was selected for the Dream Team.”
Various members of the team were selected to represent various netball squads. Kaylin Pienaar and Naledi Peters performances led them to being included in the squad for the Confederation of University and College Sports Association Games. Peters, who played for UJs second team at USSA, was included in the tournament’s B section Dream Team. Pienaar along with Ntabisheng Masehle were named in the South African U19 squad. Brittany Abdinor’s play at the tournament has resulted in her being called up to represent South Africa in the U23 Action Netball tournament in August.
Maree said the individual success was all due to the total team effort that was executed. He is looking forward to the growth the team will continue to experience and congratulates the whole team for their hard work and dedication.
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