In their 2025 Varsity Netball campaign opener, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles displayed confidence and teamwork in their convincing 63-29 victory against Varsity College at the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch on Sunday, 24 August.

The Eagles dominated from the outset, taking the lead in the first quarter and maintaining their momentum throughout the match. By the end of the second quarter, they were leading 32-14, showcasing a stellar team performance.

Coach Elsunet du Plessis commended her team’s performance. “I am pleased with the performance and that we had the opportunity to get all 12 players on the court.  There are still areas we can refine, but overall, I am proud of the collective effort and the unity the players showed on the court.”

Rookie Christi-Mari Coetzee delivered an impressive debut performance and was named the FNB player of the match.

“As a team, we will continue to perform to the best of our ability,” she said after receiving her award.

Coetzee was one of several debutants, including Jessica Matjiu, Jaime Matfield, Jeané Visser and Vivian Venancio, who made their first Varsity Netball appearances.

The Eagles are hoping to build on this win and enjoy a successful season.

The NWU Eagles Varsity Netball Squad for 2025 is as follows: Sunel Smit, Andrya Joubert, Jaime Matfield, Jade Egwatu, Mia van den Berg, Tlotlang Mokomela, Jessica Matjiu, Amori Matthee, Johanné Meyer, Jomari Lübbe, Casey Davids, Cellonika van den Berg, Rayvoné Leander, Karla du Preez, Christi-Mari Coetzee, Martiné Jordaan, Vivian Venancio, Liané van Lochem, Jeané Visser and Amia Roux.

FNB Player of the Match Christi-Mari Coetzee