Defending champions UFS Kovsies beat Maties while NWU brushed aside UJ in the semifinals to set up an exciting showdown in the Varsity Netball 2025 final. It will take place on 29 September in Bloemfontein (7pm). The last time the two sides met in the final was in 2013 when Kovsies beat the Eagles by four goals. NWU last won the title in 2016 while Kovsies will be looking to add a sixth trophy to their collection.
NWU 55 – UJ 28
NWU put any hopes of UJ for a third consecutive appearance in the final to rest with a commanding semifinal victory in the NWU Mafikeng Great Hall in Mahikeng.
From the first whistle, the Eagles asserted themselves with strong defence and quick transitions onto attack. Their intensity forced UJ to work hard for every opportunity, while the home team converted their opportunities with ease. This took them to a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern. The Orange Army battled to turn their possession into goals, while NWU continued to punish mistakes. With their defensive unit closing down passing lanes and their shooters maintaining accuracy, the Eagles extended their advantage to 29-12 at halftime.
UJ made several changes in the third quarter in an attempt to close the gap, and the fresh legs initially brought renewed energy. They managed to find more scoring opportunities and put some pressure on their opponents. The Eagles however maintained their composure, keeping the scoreboard ticking and ending the quarter with a healthy 44-19 cushion.
The final 15 minutes produced a spirited contest. NWU kept control of the game with well-structured attacking moves. They adapted to any changes UJ made and absorbed the pressure until the final whistle, securing a convincing 58-28 victory to advance to next week’s final and the chance to add yet another trophy to their cabinet.
Quarter scores: 14-6 | 29-12 | 44-19 | 55-28
Player of the match: Christi-Marie Coetzee (NWU)
NWU: Sunel Smit, Jaime Matfield, Andrya Joubert, Jessica Matjiu, Johanné Meyer, Amori Matthee, Christi-Mari Coetzee, Vivian Venancio, Jade Egwatu, Liane van Lochem, Casey Davids, Johanne Meyer.
UJ: Alexandra Meimaris, Juanika Steinmann, Minette Erasmus, Luyanda Msomi, Yanke Broodryk, Kamogelo Motsepe, Cornelia Mupenda, Sli Ngcobo, Tassnique Norman, Jade Niemand, Kaneilwe Seopa, Makayla Edgecomb.
UFS KOVSIES 46 – 35 MATIES
The Bloemfontein fortress that is the Callie Human Hall held strong as Kovsies had to dig deep to see off a determined Maties in their efforts of a successful title defence. The defending giants had history on their side, but Maties arrived with unfinished business, still stung from their round 7 collapse after leading by six at halftime.
From the first whistle, the Maroon Machine looked to control possession, but Liame de Lange struck early with two interceptions before Kovsies netted their opener. Maties quickly realised there was no room for error. Under pressure, Kovsies fed off the home crowd to edge the first quarter 11–9.
Maties slowed the tempo in the next 15 minutes and grew in confidence as Hanna Kriel stayed deadly accurate. Yet Kovsies’ experience shone through, their senior players keeping the scoreboard ticking. By halftime they had pulled clear, 24–16.
The third quarter swung Maties’ way, with Kriel repeatedly escaping De Lange and Reratilwe Letsoalo’s long reach. The Maroon Machine capitalised on the power play to narrow the gap, but Kovsies steadied to hold a 34–31 advantage heading into the final stretch.
The last quarter was a battle of basics, both teams disciplined under pressure. But when the power play arrived, Kovsies pounced, stretching their lead beyond reach. A late Maties goal proved only consolation as the Bloemfontein side sealed a commanding 46–35 victory and their place in the final.
Quarter scores: 11-9| 24-16 | 34-31 | 46-35
Player of the match: Liame de Lange (UFS Kovsies)
UFS KOVSIES: Liame de Lange, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Elene Vosloo, Xandri Fourie, Charne van Vuuren, Chanique Eyberg, Mari du Raan, Thando Mokoena, Leane Otto, Megan Erasmus, Syamthandanda Sambo, Mienke Delport.
MATIES: Hannah Kriel, Michelle van der Merwe, Lara Ehlers, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Juane Maass, Thabisa Yekani, Bianca Odendaal, Chloe Parsadh, Kristine McGregor, Lara Steenkamp, Jana Martin.