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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

Prof Heidi Hudson appointed to international Committee on the Status of Women
2015-11-24

Prof Heidi Hudson is looking forward to advancing women scholars globally
Photo: Supplied

Prof Heidi Hudson, director of the Centre for Africa Studies at the University of the Free State, was recently appointed by the President of the International Studies Association (ISA) to serve on the Committee on the Status of Women from March 2016 to April 2018. 

Representing over 100 countries, ISA has more than 6 500 members in North America and internationally, and is the most respected and widely-known scholarly association in the field of International Studies. 

She anticipates that her role on the committee will complement her research interests in feminist security theory and practice in Africa. “I am looking forward to playing a part in the advancement of southern scholars, and the promotion of their voice in global academe.”   

Prior to Professor Hudson’s appointment, she served as a member of the executive of the Feminist Theory and Gender Studies (FTGS) Section of ISA.

Representing women of the world in academia

The Committee on the Status of Women has the task of reviewing the status of women in the profession, and making recommendations to the president and the Governing Council of ISA on ways of tracking and increasing the status and visibility of women in the profession.

“Some of the goals of the committee for the 2014 to 2016 period include reaching out to women scholars in the global south; creating an ISA networking website for women scholars; and surveying perceptions of the international relations climate and its needs,” said Prof Hudson. It is also responsible for “tracking gender balance within ISA and its journals, and supporting ISA regions in fulfilling the mission of the Committee on the Status of Women,” she added.

Connecting scholars globally since 1959

The ISA has been the premier organisation for connecting scholars and practitioners in fields of international studies, and promoting research and education. ISA cooperates with 57 international studies organisations in more than 30 countries, is a member of the International Social Science Council, and enjoys non-governmental consultative status at the United Nations.

Prof Hudson’s research interests concentrate on discursive and material gender deficits of liberal peacebuilding in the post colony, amongst other subjects. She is also co-editor of International Feminist Journal of Politics.

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