Varsity Netball is once again on the go and the next few months will see some of the best netball action from universities across South Africa.

Sadly, Potchefstroom will once again be devoid of Varsity Netball action as the defending champions will play all their matches away due to “lack” of a proper indoor venue in Potch.

Previously in 2015 the SANDF Kopanelo Hall was used but last year due to various reasons this venue was not used, due to lack of space and spectator seating.

Still, it seems criminal that this venue cannot be used, irrespective of it’s size – there will still be an atmosphere whether it be 500 fans or a 1000.

This opens up the debate that the NWU-Puk should build an adequate and big enough indoor facility especially as the netball is already of a high standard. The venue should then also be used as a multi-sport venue for other indoor sports such as basketball, badminton and so forth.

The opening weekend will take place at both Kovsies in Bloemfontein at Maties in Stellenbosch. NWU-Pukke will open their account against Tuks at 17:30 on Monday 28 August.

Opening weekend fixtures at Kovsies are as follows:

• 27 August – UJ versus NWU at 15:00
• 27 August – Kovsies versus Tuks at 16:30
• 28 August – NWU versus Tuks at 17:30 (live on SuperSport Select channel 210)
• 28 August – Kovsies versus UJ at 19:00 (live on SuperSport Select channel 210)

Opening weekend fixtures at Maties are as follows:

• 27 August – VUT versus Madibaz at 16:30 (live on SuperSport Select channel 210)
• 27 August – Maties versus UWC at 18:00 (live on SuperSport Select channel 210)
• 28 August – UWC versus Madibaz at 16:30
• 28 August – Maties versus VUT at 18:00