Witsies make it to the Dream Team
The Wits first netball team have qualified for the 2020 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Premier League after being promoted to the A Section of the tournament earlier this month.
Thirty-seven teams from universities across the country competed at the USSA tournament, which took place from July 1-5.
Two teams represented Wits this year, and they competed in the B and C sections.
Winning seven out of eight of the games they played, the Wits 1 team succeeded in moving up a notch, from B division to A division.
Marguerite Rootman, who coached both teams, told Wits Vuvuzela: “It is an amazing achievement for them [Wits first team]. They do not realize just how much talent they have.”
Jolize Beukman, captain of the first team, said it was an honour and privilege to participate. Their goal was to qualify for the Premier League and now their hard work had paid off.
Following their fine performance, two first-team players – Enhakkore Bope (19) and Panashe Chiranga (19) – were selected to play for the USSA Dream Team in the B division.
Bope, who often plays as first-team goalie, was moved to a wing defence position for the tournament.
“I did not think I would get noticed, because that position is not usually recognised,” said the Bachelor of Health Sciences student.
Panashe Chiranga was selected for the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) games USSA netball squad.
“It is amazing to be up there,” the chemical engineering student told Wits Vuvuzela. “All of the hard work has paid off and now I am reaping the rewards.”
The Wits second team competed in the C2 section, where they were placed ninth.
FEATURED IMAGE: Left to right: Panashe Chiranga and Enhakkore Bope selected to the B division Dream Team.
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