The North-West University (NWU) knows that pool-stage victories count for nothing when it comes to knockout netball. Having already defeated the University of Johannesburg (UJ) earlier in the Varsity Netball tournament, the Eagles are preparing for a rematch that will decide who advances to the final on 22 September.
Head coach Elsunet du Plessis made it clear that her side cannot rely on past results. “A semi-final is a completely different contest. Knockout matches demand a higher level of focus and intensity. We know UJ will come back stronger, so we cannot rely on what happened in the pool stages. Our approach will be to tighten up our structures, stay disciplined and make sure we adapt quickly to whatever they bring on the day,” she said.
The clash at the business end of the tournament puts pressure on every pass and every turnover. Elsunet said her players will need to stay calm under pressure while maintaining their defensive and attacking systems.
“We will be emphasising decision-making, sticking to our game plan and controlling the tempo of the game. Our defensive intensity and attacking patience will be crucial, but, most importantly, we want to stay calm, minimise errors and capitalise on our opportunities,” she explained.
Captain Martine Jordan echoed her coach’s words and stressed the importance of unity on the court. “As players, we know the margins are small in knockout matches. Our focus will be on backing each other, staying connected across all thirds, and making sure that every turnover and every centre pass counts. We have worked hard to get here, and now it is about delivering as a team,” she said.
The Eagles’ preparation has been built across the season through a mix of disciplined training and competitive match play. According to Elsunet, the focus in the build-up is on keeping players fresh and mentally sharp. “Physically, it is about smart recovery, managing loads, and ensuring the players are fresh. Mentally, we are encouraging them to trust the preparation they have done, to focus on their roles, and to enjoy the challenge,” she said.
The whistle will blow with a final place on the line, and for the NWU, it is about translating preparation into performance when it matters the most.
