Mdau the X-factor as Gauteng lands elusive netball title
One point ends Western Cape’s winning streak
Backed by a vociferous crowd, Gauteng ended Western Cape’s stranglehold at the Spar national championships by clinching the title for the first time on Saturday.
Western Cape twice spurned their very last chance to equalise at the end of extratime to surrender the championship by one point. Gauteng won 47-46. “That’s all we needed … one point,” said Gauteng captain Tshina Mdau afterwards.
She conceded, however, that the match, played at a ferocious pace in the Durban sun at Hoy Park sports complex, could have gone either way.
“Both teams made silly mistakes and we were fortunate in the end.
“We got our composure during extra time and managed to get over the line,” University of Pretoria student Mdau said.
Gauteng threw away a fourpoint lead in the latter stages of normal time as Western Cape clawed their way back to level and force extra time as the teams deadlocked at 40-40 after four quarters.
When the coastal side then took the lead, it seemed a given that they would prevail.
However, Gauteng – after changing tactics, with Mdau moving into a more defensive position – found their footing, caught up and surged ahead.
Gauteng coach Jenny van Dyk was pleasantly surprised to find her team had won the crowd over.
“It was weird because we are used to getting crowd support only at home.
“But it was fantastic to see,” Van Dyk said. She also lauded Mdau’s contribution.
“She had struggled at first but after we made a change it made a huge difference. I’m proud of her.”
The netball focus now switches to the Varsity Cup in the next few weeks.
It was weird because we are used to getting crowd support only at home. But it was fantastic to see
Jenny van Dyk GAUTENG COACH