A young Madibaz squad will be stronger for the experience after enduring a difficult Varsity Netball campaign.
This was the opinion of head coach Jeanie Steyn, a former Madibaz star who also learnt her fair share of lessons during her first year at the helm.
Mandela University could only muster one victory in the tournament to finish second last on the log, one spot ahead of TUT. Their 50-62 defeat to Wits in their final game on Monday was particularly disappointing.
Steyn acknowledged that they had not achieved what they set out to do, but was not totally discouraged by their showing.
“I still believe that the results do not represent the team’s potential, but this was a tough lesson to learn,” she said.
“When it matters, you need to show up. We had moments of brilliance but didn’t carry it through the whole match.”
The Madibaz mentor pinpointed a lack of consistency in performance and decision-making as their greatest Achilles’ heel.
However, she preferred to look at the positives.

Madibaz co-captain Siya Dingiswayo assesses her options during a match in the 2024 Varsity Netball competition. Madibaz completed their programme on Monday. Photo: Varsity Sports
“Nine of the 16 players in the squad were introduced to this level for the first time. There are only two players who are finishing, which means we can build on this year’s squad.”
Having exposed the players to high-intensity netball would have long-term benefits, she added.
“I think the team is devastated after this season’s results, but they can only grow stronger from that learning curve as they are very resilient.”
Steyn admitted that she also needed to revisit their tactics.
“A season in which you don’t reach your goals can be used as a learning opportunity for the coach; seeing which systems worked and which didn’t,” she said.
“We will assess our shortcomings and work out what is the stepping stone to greater success in next year’s tournament.”
The loss to Wits did not sit well with Steyn as it had been a game they had circled as a potential victory.
“It was a well-contested match and we were in front for the first half but fell behind in the second and couldn’t catch up,” she explained.
The Madibaz were solid on defence and it took Wits some time to find a workaround. In offence, they performed with composure, ensuring that the ball got through the ring to keep the scoreboard ticking.
However, they lost momentum in the latter stanzas and lacked the necessary intensity to challenge Wits.
Steyn said it was an indication of how the standard of Varsity Netball had improved.
“This is now a high-intensity platform considered to be at the same level as the Telkom Netball League where provinces compete against each other. There are also national players in Varsity Netball, which further raises the bar.”
She paid tribute to captains Mothira Mohammad and Siya Dingiswayo for being “fantastic flag-bearers of this team” following the pair’s final tournament for the Gqeberha side.
“I am extremely proud of them and I think they have both grown as players and individuals this year.
“Although the results do not reflect their leadership, I couldn’t have asked for two better people to lead the team. They leave big shoes to fill as leaders and as players.”