Defending champions NWU-Pukke started their 2017 Varsity Netball campaign on a high note with a 59-25 win against UJ in Bloemfontein on Sunday, 27 August. This season will definitely be one to remember and as a precursor, some fascinating stats should be able build the hype for this exciting tournament Now in its fifth year, Varsity Netball has become a highlight on the South African netball calendar.
1) 28 group matches will be contested between eight universities followed by the semi-finals and final.
2) The University of the Western Cape (UWC) will make their debut in the competition after qualifying for the competition at USSA Netball 2016.
3) Two of the UWC players, Jaumbuaije Zauana and Sinesipho Willie represented the Western Cape senior team at the recent National Champs where they were the runners-up.
4) Two of the new coaches are former Protea captains. They are Zanele Mdodana (Maties) and Martha Mosoahle-Samm of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
5) The third new coach is Janine du Toit of UWC.
6) 5 players will be participating in their fifth year of Varsity Netball.
They are: Arné Rust (Madibaz), Shadine van der Merwe (UP-Tuks), Kim-roché Holmes (University of Johannesburg), Tanya Mostert (Kovsies) and Zandré Erasmus (NWU-Pukke).
7) Only two universities, Kovsies (2013-2014) and Pukke (2015-2016) have won the trophy.
8) Tuks (79.41%) has the best winning percentage over the previous four years.
9) Competition records:
Most consecutive wins: 12 (Kovsies 2014-2015)
•Most consecutive losses: 13 (UCT 2013-2014)
•Biggest win: 79 goals (Pukke 93-14 TUT, 2016)
•Most goals scored: 98 (Tuks 98-26 UJ, 2014)
•Least goals conceded: 12 (Tuks 78-12 TUT, 2013)
•Most player of the match awards: Zandré Erasmus (Pukke) (6)

Here are photos of the NWU Pukke and UJ match that occurred on Sunday in Bloemfontein. Photos: Van Zyl Naude/Varsity Sports