Things have gone swimmingly for NWU Pukke’s talent pool at the 2017 USSA (University Sports South Africa) netball and tennis championships this week in Potchefstroom.
The Pukke netball ladies, who are looking for their third USSA crown in history, got off to the perfect start at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds on Monday with a 59-19 win against NMMU’s Madibaz before finding themselves deadlocked with Kovsies in a 51-51 draw on the same day. This was one of the matches of the championships thus far and with the semi and finals being played today and tomorrow, it could be a precursor of what’s to come at the business end of the competition.
Pukke’s biggest triumph was their 42-39 win against defending champions Tuks on Tuesday, which set them up for victories against Maties (58-34) and UJ(38-37) yesterday.

Pukke will face Tuks today at 15:00 in a highly anticipated USSA netball semi-final

The atmosphere at these championships has been top class with teams battling each other in different sections and pools to determine various winners and promotion possibilities. Matches have also been supported in full voice with teams scouting their opposition and enjoying the netball on offer during the week.
‘The opening ceremony on Monday set the tone for the success of the championships. The students who have competed have done so with massive spirit. Matches are also more competitive than previous years in both tennis and netball and there is a fantastic vibe between the teams,’ said Helene Botha, head of the LOC of the USSA netball and tennis championships.
The USSA Netball chairperson, Riana, Bezuidenhout also echoed Botha’s statement in appreciation of the hard work that has gone into the organisation of the USSA week.
‘Everything is going like clockwork and the organisation of the matches has been spot on.
The student volunteers have also done a great job. The great thing is how the netball and tennis players have been supporting each other,’ said Bezuidenhout.
On the tennis front, Pukke have also shined with a runaway 12-0 victory against Rhodes University on the opening day of the A-section, before following that up with a 14-0 victory against NWU-Mafikeng on Tuesday.
The A-section semi-finals will take place today from 08:30 and the finals will take place on Friday morning from 08:30 – both at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds.

Here are some of the best tennis action: