Tshwane, Dr KK in netball final
Extending their unbeaten run at the tournament, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda (Dr KK) district team breezed into the final of the Spar National Netball Championships at the University of Johannesburg yesterday, setting up a clash against defending champions Tshwane in the battle for the title.
The Dr KK side, who had finished top of the A-section standings in the round-robin stage, handed Nelson Mandela Bay
(NMB) a crushing 61-20 defeat in the semifinals.
Exposing the lack of depth in the top-flight, Dr KK outclassed the Eastern Cape side, who had squeezed into the penultimate round on goal difference after settling in a three-way tie for fourth position in the round-robin stage.
“It’s good to have built up some momentum going into the final, and I was happy to be able to give some players a rest,” said Dr KK coach Elsje Jordaan.
Jordaan, however, admitted her North West outfit needed to sharpen up in some areas, despite sweeping aside the NMB team without any real trouble.
“I have been very happy with our defensive, but not so happy with our attack, which has been operating at about 80%,” she said.
Tshwane, meanwhile, regained their composure after stumbling earlier in the tournament, setting their sights on defending their crown in today’s final.
Having fallen to Dr KK and Mangaung in the round-robin stage, Tshwane hit back to secure a 53-48 win over Mangaung in their semifinal clash.
“It’s been a roller-coaster of a week, with two defeats, ” said Tshwane captain Tshina Mdau.