Madibaz on a high after early wins
NMU hoping for strong home town support in showdown against Tuks
SPAR Madibaz will host Tuks in a classic Varsity Netball showdown at the Nelson Mandela University Indoor Sport Centre on Monday. The Port Elizabeth team kicked off their campaign with a convincing 71-25 victory against Vaal University of Technology on Sunday.
They then went on to beat the University of Western Cape 51-43 on Monday, cementing their self-belief in the tournament.
Madibaz goalkeeper Jeanie Steyn said the confidence gained from their early success in the tournament in Stellenbosch over the weekend was something that would be invaluable going forward.
“You can never say there are easy games in this tournament, but this last weekend was good for the team to settle and see what works and what does not work ahead of the tougher games,” she said.
Steyn was awarded player of the match for her performance against VUT, an achievement she said she could not have accomplished without her “wing woman”, goal defender Hlumisa Sithonga.
“I share the circle with Hlumisa and without her I don’t think I would have received the prize. It’s a reward that reflects on both of us, not just me,” Steyn said.
The second-year visual arts student said she believed the team were on the right path to achieve their goal of finishing in the top four and were eager to give spectators an exciting display.
“It is going to be very competitive towards the end of the competition. This season is one of those years that everyone has a chance to prove themselves,” she said.
This will be the Madibaz’s first game at home this season and they will be hoping to use that advantage to register an emphatic victory against the Pretoria side.
“We are fighters and I think that is something people do not expect from us,” Steyn said. “We will be fighting right until the end.”
The former Proteas player, who turned 23 this week, said her only concern was that the team lacked confidence up front and will be hoping to fix this in the upcoming game.
“We’re a team with potential, but we don’t always believe in ourselves,” Steyn said.
“I think it was good for us to start on a high scoring note so we can carry a winning mindset through the whole competition.
“The key would be for us to stick to the basics and our own style of play.
“We play a different type of netball and I think this is our greatest strength.
“If we stick to this style, we can definitely compete against the tougher teams,” she said.
The Madibaz will have another advantage of hosting Pukke on their home courts on September 18 and will be hoping the backing of the home crowd will give them an edge.
Steyn said: “The players know all the spectators will have our backs and if you have the supporters cheering for you, it always boosts confidence.”
Monday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 5.30pm at the Vodacom Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre.