By Phenyo Mokgothu and Bertie Jacobs
Sometimes words fail. What a performance. The North-West University (NWU) Eagles won the 2025 Varsity Netball tournament with a monumental 57-49 win over Kovsies in Bloemfontein on Monday night.
The Eagles were the underdogs going into the clash, but, like Eagles do, they soared above expectations to the delight of the more than 55,000 NWU supporters across our three campuses, distance learners, personnel, countless alumni and more.
This was something special. Guts and determination have been the hallmarks of the Eagles’ campaign, but their last-quarter comeback, where they turned their five-goal deficit around into a scintillating win.
The victory marks NWU’s third Varsity Netball title, adding to their previous championships in 2015 and 2016.
For most of the match, it appeared that UFS would defend their crown. The Kovsies dictated the pace and led at every break, going ahead 13-12 in the first quarter and holding a narrow 26-24 lead at halftime. The contest remained on a knife-edge, with just two goals separating the sides at the break.
UFS continued their momentum in the third quarter, capitalising on NWU’s mistakes and stretching their advantage to 39-34 heading into the final period. But the Eagles responded with determination and composure in the closing quarter, overturning the deficit with relentless defensive pressure and clinical execution in attack to seal the 57-49 win.
Head coach Elsunet du Plessis praised her players for their resilience and mental strength under pressure. “I am incredibly proud of this team and what they achieved tonight,” she said. “They showed character, discipline, and belief when it mattered most. Even when we were behind, they never stopped fighting, and that determination is what brought us this victory.”
Du Plessis also expressed her gratitude to the NWU supporters who travelled to back the team. “I want to sincerely thank all our supporters for coming out to support us. Your energy and encouragement lifted the team and played a huge part in this success,” she added.
With their third Varsity Netball crown secured, the Eagles will now look to build on this achievement and continue their strong legacy in the competition.
To our NWU Eagles: We are proud of your achievement, we are delighted to share this triumph with you and we look forward to many more victories. What a feeling!
