LEE KHOTLELE
Kovsies will get their title defense underway with a home match against the unpredictable side from Pretoria at the Callie Human Hall at the varsity.
Both teams will be in search of a positive result to set the tone for their seasons. The last time these two sides met Kovsies claimed a 53-46 away win and will be targeting the same result.
Kovsies began last season on a lower note, losing 60-47 to North West University in their opening match. However, the Bloemfontein girls got bittersweet revenge against Pukke in the final, beating them 40-44 in North West to clinch the title.
As the hosts Kovsies have a lot to do in their opening match and the teams’ defensive coach, Karin Venter admitted pressure in on.
“There’s a lot of pressure on us. The opening matches are difficult, because they carry a lot of pressure. For us, it’s even worse because of being the defending champions, but the team looks good,” Venter told Courant Sport.
Having finished third in the overall standings last year, with 25 points after seven matches, Venter said they’re looking to continue with last year’s momentum.
“We have new players in the squad and the youngsters are doing well. The preparations are well in place and we’re planning to use different tactics and approaches to beat them.
Venter labelled the Tuks defense as their strongest point, but said one of their strategies is to make them work for the ball.
“Tuks are a strong side to beat, but you never know. In this competition, with a bonus point, power play, you never know what is going to happen,” she said
“However, if you have a plan in place on how to play the team, it will make a difference. We need to make them work for the ball and not give them too much space.”
“We also need to work more on, not only the circle defense, but the entire courts defense,” Venter stressed.”
The Bloem side have also been working in the shooting circle on different combinations, and Venter said it is ‘looking good’.
Meanwhile, Tuks coach, Jenny van Wyk labelled the first match against the defending champions as a huge challenge.
“It’s going to be a tough match. Our main focus this year is consistency. Kovsies have a good defending combination, but we’ll match that,” she said.
“We’re hoping to get on the court and show some consistency, because we want to have consistent tournament this year. That’s the focus this year, but firstly you want to win.”
“The more wins you get quicker and early in the tournament, the easier to get the spot in the semi-final round, which is our prime focus,” she added.
Van Wyk said her side is a well-balanced team. She added that it almost becomes difficult to choose the touring 12 players.
The match at the varsity gets underway at 17:15.
Pukke in their turn will host the University of Stellenbosch in Sundays match. This match gets underway at 15:45.