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01 October 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Kaleidoscope
In a nail-biting Varsity Netball semi-final, UFS KovsieNetball triumphed over defending champions UP Tuks, winning 68-62.

In a nail-biting Varsity Netball semi-final, UFS KovsieNetball triumphed over defending champions UP Tuks (30 September 2024), winning 68-62 in the Callie Human Centre on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. The victory advances them to the final on Monday next week, where they will face UJ.

Early lead and strong performances

Despite a close first half, Kovsies led 15-13 at the first quarter break and 35-31 at half-time, relying on strong performances from goal shooters Rolene Streutker and Xandri Fourie. The game turned in the third quarter when Kovsies extended their lead to 53-43. Tuks fought back during their power play in the final quarter, but Kovsies' consistent play, supported by a lively home crowd, ensured their victory and advancement to the final.

Fourie was named FNB player of the march.

According to head coach Burta de Kock, teamwork played a vital role. “Each player took responsibility for her role on the court and the players played for each other,” she said.

De Kock said they analysed UP's style of play and identified their attack strategy. “We knew they had an accurate goal, so we focused on disrupting the feed to the goal, which led to more interceptions.”

Preparing for final against UJ

Looking ahead to the final against UJ, De Kock acknowledged the challenge, saying that they expect it to be a tough match. "UJ hasn’t won a final yet, and their hearts are set on winning. But we are also ready to take excellence to the court and finish the season on a high,” she commented, "because we have brilliant players, each one understanding her responsibility."

To ensure that the KovsieNetball team is well prepared for this critical match, they are supported by an experienced and dedicated coaching staff, each playing an important role in their success. Leading the charge is De Kock, who guided the team to multiple victories. During her years at KovsieSport, she has developed around 20 Protea players. Defence coach Karla Pretorius, currently also the vice-captain of the Spar Proteas, brings a wealth of international experience to strengthen the team's defence. Attack coach Khanyisa Chawane, now also the captain of the Spar Proteas, focuses on sharpening the offensive strategy. Team manager Ané Retief ensures smooth operations behind the scenes, making this dynamic team an unstoppable force on the court. She is also part of the Protea squad that will represent South Africa at the Fast5 World Series in New Zealand in November.

The Varsity Netball final is set for Monday 7 October at 19:00 in the Callie Human Centre. A limited number of tickets will be available at www.varsitysportsa.com so, supporters are encouraged to get theirs as soon as possible. De Kock expressed her gratitude to the fans, saying, “Without your support, we couldn’t have done it.”

News Archive

Clarinet lecturer honoured with prestigious international artistship
2015-11-13

Clarinetist Danré Strydom

Danré Strydom, lecturer in the Odeion School of Music (OSM) of the University at the Free State (UFS) has recently been added to the Buffet Crampon executive list of representative artist. Buffet Crampon is one of the most iconic woodwind brands and the leader in manufacturing first-rate clarinets. The artistship entails a highly competitive selection process to become the first South African Buffet Crampon brand ambassador.

Buffet-Crampon, based in France and Germany, is ailed internationally as the “Steinway” of clarinet manufacturers. The company follows a meticulous selection process, and the title of Buffet Artist is not bestowed lightly. Strydom will be the first South African artists to represent the brand.

For nearly 200 years, musicians have received continuous artistic excellence and a dedication to music from Buffet-Crampon and its instruments. In a dialogue with the most renowned artists, the brand’s ambition is to combine tradition with modernity, know-how with creation, and history with innovation in order to offer excellent wind instruments unique in character, and underpinned by undeniable quality.

Strydom received her formative musical education at the Windhoek Conservatoire, before completing her undergraduate degree at the UFS. Her playing then won her several prestigious scholarships for overseas studies. She began her postgraduate studies at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, and then furthered her studies in Belgium, resulting in two separate Master’s Degrees in Clarinet and in Bass Clarinet Performance from the Royal Conservatory, Ghent University. 

Besides currently serving as principal clarinetist for the Free State Symphony Orchestra and Namibian National Symphony, she was an ad-hoc member of the esteemed Brussels Philharmonic from 2009-2013. The spell with the Brussels Philharmonic included an Academy Award for the soundtrack of the motion picture, “The Artist,” which Strydom considers one of her proudest moments.

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