25 May 2023
|
Story Jóhann Thormählen
|
Photo Supplied
The four Kovsies who are going to the World Cup have previously played together in the same Protea squad. From the left are: Refiloe Nketsa, Karla Pretorius, Lefébre Rademan, and Khanyisa Chawane.
The four Kovsies who are going to the World Cup are incredibly hard workers, very committed, have lots of big match temperament, and are great examples for the current University of the Free State (UFS) crop.
This is how Burta de Kock, UFS netball head
coach, describes the quartet included in the squad of 15 players to represent the Proteas.
De Kock, who has worked at KovsieSport for more than 20 years, says their selection is an enormous privilege and they make the UFS incredibly proud.
Pretorius will attend her fourth World Cup and Chawane her second. Rademan and Nketsa will be playing in their first when they step onto the court.
“It was an honour to have coached all four and to still coach some of them,” says De Kock.
“It makes us incredibly excited that an experienced Karla and an inexperienced Refiloe are in the same Protea team. It shows players that there is a future if you work hard.”
Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, says KovsieSport and the UFS community are extremely excited and proud about their inclusion, which is in line with the university’s values that shape and inform its culture.
They are a true reflection of the KovsieSport vision of creating legends through legacy by pursuing the delivery of excellent quality student athletes whose performances will impact the region, continent, and globe in line with the university’s
Vision 130. – Jerry Laka
The UFS pursues excellence in every aspect of university life, including sport.
“They are a true reflection of the KovsieSport vision of creating legends through legacy by pursuing the delivery of excellent quality student athletes whose performances will impact the region, continent, and globe in line with the university’s
Vision 130.
“We will be supporting them throughout the World Cup campaign. ‘Only a Kovsie knows the feeling’.”
UFS making dreams come true
Rademan, who has 35 Protea caps, was out of action for about nine months with a knee injury and has worked extremely hard to be in the World Cup contention.
She says her selection is a dream come true: “I am so grateful for God’s grace and that everything worked out according to His plan.”
The former Kovsie captain is thankful for KovsieNetball and De Kock’s impact on her career.
Rademan says De Kock has supported her since her injury in August 2023, and believes she was sent on her path to achieve her goals.
“KovsieNetball is where I grew as a person and player. I learned a lot and have the best memories!”
Nketsa has ten caps and has become the 20th UFS player to represent her country in 2021.
‘It shook her’ and she “felt very honoured” when she heard she was in the squad.
She says the support from the UFS was crucial in realising her dreams.
According to her, the university assists her academically to make sure she is up to date, and the ‘supportive structure’ helps her juggle netball and academics.
“And the support I receive from ‘tannie Burta’ is honestly out of this world and is so strong that you believe in the power she sees in us as players.”