Madibaz to face Tuks at home

The SPAR NMMU Madibaz netball team will be aiming to secure a spot in the 2015 Varsity Netball semi-finals when they take on Tuks in their second home game at the Vodacom NMMU Indoor Sport Centre at 7pm on Monday night.

The Madibaz are currently fourth overall ahead of the penultimate game of the round-robin section of the tournament. Their opponents from the University of Pretoria, who are also the current University Sport South Africa champions, are second in the standings.

Madibaz captain Mione Marais said her Port Elizabeth side were not to be underestimated when compared with the other teams in the competition.

“We are the underdogs for this match when you compare our rankings with Tuks, which actually puts less pressure on us.”

While the Gauteng side were definitely a strong team, she said that was no cause for apprehension.

“As with anything in life, you need to respect them, not fear them. We are excited to take them on.”

The Madibaz would battle it out until the final whistle, no matter the outcome, said Marais.

“All we need to do is focus on our strengths and minimise unforced errors, with every player taking responsibility for her position.

“So far, it has truly been a team effort from the get-go from all 16 players in the squad.

“Having a player of the match in every game proves that we are a diverse team, with strength both in attack and defence.”

Marais said that home games were particularly special for the team.

“The support is electric. We enjoy feeding off one another’s energy as well as the crowd’s.

“Not having to travel is definitely a positive and with the support of friends, loved ones and community, anything can happen.”

She added that since Monday’s game would be televised, the atmosphere would be heightened, with fans dressing up, exciting prizes to be won and fast-paced netball.

“This will also be the last chance to see us play at NMMU.”

Follow the game live on SuperSport 210.