The DStv Schools Netball finals provided thrilling matches. Both the Botho and Ubuntu finals were close in separating the winners of the tournament.
Potchefstroom Gimnasium showed intent from the first whistle of the game that they want to be crowned the inaugural champions. The two sides had alredy met in the group stages of the tournament.
Gimmies defeated Hoerskool Menlopark 22-25 to claim the title. The North West side dominated the match from the first quarter, leading the score board 16-19 at half time.
Coach, Marike Maree says her players were determined to take the title by eliminating the Gauteng sides to the podium.
“This is the girl’s last SA’s, they definitely have a high goal that they have set for themselves. The Gauteng schools are all challenging, all of them are at a high standard,” says Maree.
It was a battle of provincial rivals in the Ubuntu finals. Hlabi Secondary School came out victorious in a close contest against Makgofe High School. The team from the Sekhukhune district handed the Capricorn district side a narrow 20-19 defeat.
The game started slow with both sides not showing any sense of urgency to bury the game early. The players showed signs of exhaustion having played five matches in two days. Hlabi took the first quarter 5-4 but they were not fluid in the second quarter which Makgofe capitalised on. Their confidence in the second quarter urged them to do better with their defensive rebounds and were able to push their neighbours to a 9-9 scoreline at the half time break. Coming from the break, both teams played a low scoring game. The winners only managed four while the silver medallists scored two.
The last quarter was a highly contested one. Both sides gave their all in both the attack and defense, Hlabi who were at some point of the fourth quarter were trailing managed to hold a nerve and came back to win the game on the last minute. Reaching the Ubuntu finals was a reason for celebration for the two Limpopo sides who hurdled and sang together following the medals and trophy presentations.
Hlabi captain, Lebo Letsoalo admitted that the competition was not a walk in the park.
“I am happy about my team. I’m grateful that we got this far. I thank the coaches, principal and teachers that brought us here. The tournament was tough but we tried hard to do our best. We have learnt that netball brings about opportunities, we need to train hard to get to the level that we did today.
“I’m happy that we were on TV. My parents were able to watch and support me. They have given me support and all that I need to play netball,” says Letsoalo
Supersport.com