UJ’s netball squad remain optimistic regardless of their failure to win the University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament.
The girls in orange had set themselves a goal to return to their campus as the winners of the annual tournament. A win would have resulted in them being promoted to the Super league A section, a division up from the Premier A section that they are now in. After a week of the highest level of varsity netball, UJ missed out by losing to University of Western Cape in the final game of the competition.
Head coach David Maree expressed their desire to be promoted but recognised that they fell short of the achievement. He said, “Everyone was very excited at that outcome as it was a big goal in 2019. Unfortunately, we lost the promotion-relegation game against University of Western Cape 45–44 and thus will still be part of the Premier league in 2020.”
There was joy to take from the tournament and their performance, as UJ topped the group stages and made it all the way to the final game. The loss won’t discourage the team from making a push for the Super league in the near future. Maree said, “We worked hard to secure the win in the Premier A section. It was unfortunate to lose out in the promotion match by one point, but it is still our aim to play in the Super league A section. “We will continue to work towards that.”
The squad will also be pleased with their current set-up as they are in a rebuilding phase. Maree felt their USSA achievement confirmed that management had put in place the right foundation to grow the players. “The players will develop together, producing a bond that creates a positive spirit and a winning environment.”
This coupled with hard work, loyalty and focus will push UJ to the next level very soon.
