The University of the Free State Kovsies’ chances of reaching the semi-finals of the Varsity Netball series are hanging by a thread.
On Monday, the former multiple champions suffered their fourth defeat on a bounce when they were beaten 43-36 by the North-West University during round five at the UJ Imbizo Hall on the Soweto campus. With the win, last year’s runners-up, NWU, remained unbeaten in the competition and they are well on their way to the semi-finals.
On Sunday, Kovsies were stunned with a 40-37 defeat at the hands of the hosts, UJ, while on Saturday, Tuks beat Kovsies 54-50. Kovsies are currently fifth on the log, but they trail the fourth-placed Maties by four points. Kovsies will need big wins against UWC on Sunday and Wits on Monday to keep their chances alive.
They will be hoping for a big favour from UJ who will face Maties on Sunday, and NWU who will take on the team from Stellenbosch on Monday. As matters stand before the two remaining rounds, Tuks, NWU, UJ and Maties will go through to the semi-finals, but Kovsies could sneak in through the backdoor if the stars align for them. – MORGAN PIEK
