The 2025 Varsity Netball semi-finalists have been confirmed, with the UFS Kovsies securing the top spot on the log after an intense final round in the Wits Sports Hall in Johannesburg. Defending champions Kovsies overcame a six-goal halftime deficit to defeat Stellenbosch University’s Maties Netball 55-47, showing composure and resilience when it mattered most.

The big shock of the weekend came when North-West University (NWU) beat the previously unbeaten University of Johannesburg (UJ) 50-42, which saw UJ lose their place at the summit and opened the way for Kovsies to move into first position. Nelson Mandela University’s Madibaz rounded off their campaign with a commanding 64-35 victory over Varsity College, while Wits impressed with a 57-40 win against UP-Tuks in front of their home crowd.

These results set up two mouth-watering semi-finals. UJ, nicknamed the Orange Army, will be eager to avenge their loss when they face the Eagles of NWU in the first semi-final at 17:00 on Monday 22 September. The Kovsies will then meet Maties later that evening at 19:00 in the Callie Human Centre in Bloemfontein. With a place in the final on the line, the match promises to deliver high-intensity netball and a true test of character.

For the Kovsies, the opportunity to play at home could be decisive as they push to defend their crown. The team has shown grit and determination throughout the campaign, and now the support of the Kovsie family could lift them even higher.