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Kovsies crowned 2024 Varsity Netball champions after thrilling extra-time win

08 October 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Francois van Vuuren, iFlair

UFS the 2024 Varsity Netball Champions — In a high-stakes showdown, the Kovsie netball team secured its fifth Varsity Netball title, edging out the University of Johannesburg (UJ) with a final score of 58-55.

After another nail-biting game in the 2024 Varsity Netball Tournament finals, Kovsies beat the University of Johannesburg (UJ) 58-55 at the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on 7 October 2024, earning them the title of 2024 Varsity Netball champions.

In an electrifying atmosphere – with strong support from fans in the stands – the Kovsie team, captained by Refiloe Nketsa, delivered a stellar performance, securing their fifth title. The game was tied 47-47 at full time and went into extra time, showcasing the team’s will and determination to win.

“Congratulations to our netball team for its fantastic performance not only during the final, but also throughout the tournament. The final was an amazing display of resilience, and we are proud of what the team achieved. I salute our champions on behalf of the entire university community. Under the leadership of the head coach Burta de Kock, the rest of the coaching staff, and captain Nketsa, the team worked hard, and their courage and commitment paid off,” said Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS.

“We would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff of KovsieSport under the leadership of Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, for their significant contribution to the success of the team,” added Prof Rhoda.

Playing with heart and tenacity

Although the UFS started as favourites – having won the title in 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2021 – UJ played with heart and tenacity, fighting fiercely to claim the win. Both teams pushed their limits, with Kovsies leading by two points in the first few minutes. The score at the end of the first quarter was a close 13-12 in favour of the UFS.

In the second quarter, UJ fought back to close the gap, but Kovsies pulled ahead, leading by three points. They ended the quarter with Kovsies at 23 and UJ at 21. The third quarter saw the teams neck and neck, ending 35-34 in Kovsies’ favour. UJ briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but Kovsies rallied, reclaiming advantage and breaking through a tie of 47-47 to secure a victory of 58-55 in extra time.

Supporting the team from the side was head coach De Kock, Spar Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane, Proteas vice-captain Karla Pretorius, team manager Ané Retief – who is part of the Protea squad that will represent South Africa at the Fast5 World Series in New Zealand in November, Sikholiwe Mdletshe, analysing coach, and Jason Carlisle, conditioning coach.

Coach De Kock, reflecting on the UFS team’s victory in the Varsity Netball finals, said, "We are very excited and grateful for God’s blessings and grace. We have an incredible group of players who are fully committed to the system. They understood their responsibilities on the court, and it was amazing to see that through. The players are also in top physical condition. We have a support framework within KovsieNetball, with everyone playing a role in helping the players succeed." She is also grateful to KovsieSport and the UFS for their hard work in preparing the venue and ensuring that the finals were a success.

‘Our players stood together’

De Kock attributed the team’s success to the unity they displayed on the court. "No player panicked when we lost the ball. Our players simply stood together and regained possession. We’re grateful for the incredible character the players demonstrated tonight."

With Kovsies claiming the title, the UFS this year reigns as Varsity Netball as well as Varsity Cup rugby champions. In April, the UFS Shimlas beat the UCT Ikeys 45-42 in the final on Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.

• Player of the Match: Refiloe Nketsa (UFS Kovsies captain)

• FNB Player of the Tournament: Rolene Streutker (UFS Kovsies)

• The team that played in the finals are: Liamé de Lange, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Megan Erasmus, Xandri Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Asanele Malgas, Owami Mohuli, Refiloe Nketsa, Rolene Streutker, Charné van Vuuren, Karla Victor.

News Archive

School of Open Learning opens access to education

2011-12-08

Lanterns filled the night sky as UFS staff and guests celebrate the launch of the School of Open Learning at the university’s South Campus.
Photo: Johan Pretorius

A school which intends to expand the boundaries of the University of the Free State (UFS), providing good quality higher education that is based on open learning principles. That is what the School of Open Learning at the UFS’ South Campus is all about. The School was officially launched at the Campus on 28 November 2011.

Prof. Daniella Coetzee, Dean of the School, told guests at the launch that the School will provide opportunities other than traditional learning in higher education and open up access to those who have not had the opportunity to study at a higher education institution. This includes taking programmes and courses to students at off-campus sites. The School of Open Learning currently has 46 off-campus sites across most of the provinces, i.e. Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State. The off-campus sites are serviced by a total of 350 university lecturers and well-trained facilitators and tutors.

At the moment most of the programmes and courses managed by the School of Open Learning have their academic home in the Faculty of Education, providing upgrading of the qualifications of teachers as well as in-service training. In 2011 the School of Open Learning enrolled more than 4000 students for the Education courses. To date a total of 28 000 teachers have been enrolled at the School to upgrade their teaching qualifications.

Collaboration with the Faculty of Law in the presentation of a BIuris degree on off-campus sites is also on the calendar for 2012. This degree will be offered through contact and E-learning at three off-campus sites: Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

The University Preparation Programme (UPP) will also form part of the School of Open Learning. This programme has proven to be extremely successful in providing students access to undergraduate degrees at the UFS. The curriculum for this bridging year offers courses from the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences, Human and Social Sciences as well as Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Since 1993 more than 4500 students have enrolled for degree purposes after successfully completing the UPP: 1641 degrees have been awarded to students who began their studies in the programme (including 168 honours degrees; 25 master’s and 8 M.B.Ch.B. degrees). The existing foundation course in the UPP is being adapted to also serve NQF level 4 in further education. As far back as 1998, the Sunday Times (Best in Education, 1998:1) named this programme as “one of the most innovative education programmes” in a special supplement on higher education in South Africa.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, said the South Campus is to become intellectually alive with possibilities. He said the university will make sure there are seminars, conferences and classes where students can mingle across the university’s three campuses.

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