UJ claim Joburg derby spoils, NWU and UFS nail-biter in Varsity Netball Round 4

UJ won the Johannesburg derby against Wits to remain top of the log after Round 4 of Varsity Netball 2026 at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. In the upset of the day, CUT beat Madibaz for their first Varsity Netball victory while UP-Tuks had no trouble against Maties. Defending champions NWU Eagles closed out the day’s play with a thrilling victory over UFS Kovsies.

UJ remained unbeaten after Bumper Weekend 2 of Varsity Netball 2026, clinching a composed 58-50 win against Wits.

It was an end-to-end battle in the Johannesburg derby at the Callie Human Hall, with neither side willing to give an inch. The in-form Orange Army, however, managed to establish a three-goal cushion after the first quarter, 14-11.

In the second quarter, Wits managed to draw the scores level on a couple of occasions through some enterprising play, with Oratile Mokone particularly impressive as she made her presence felt across the court. Witsies could not turn this momentum into a sustained lead as UJ’s experience and composure allowed them to absorb the pressure. At half-time, they kept the lead, 27-23.

The Orange Army kept their noses in front during the third quarter despite the Witsies continuing to threaten, particularly during the power play. With the game finely poised, the intensity showed no signs of dropping as the teams headed into the final 15 minutes, with the score 43-38 in UJ’s favour.

UJ were simply outstanding in the shooting circle, and it is no surprise that they have built such a healthy goal difference on the log. Kadijat Abubakar was once again sublime for the Orange Army in the circle, helping her team maintain their grip on the contest and eventually sealing the 58-50 victory.

UP-Tuks claimed back-to-back wins in Bloemfontein as they comprehensively beat Maties 66-40.

The three-time champions from Pretoria took the lead after the first 15 minutes, but it was a tightly contested opening as the two teams sized each other up. Tuks managed to take a four-goal lead into the mini-break at 12-8.

In the second quarter, the Stripe Generation made a real move and used the power play to their advantage. They were clinical, moving the ball across the court with pace and relative ease to build a substantial lead of 32-15 at the half-time break.

The third quarter produced much of the same with the Maroon Machine having to play catch-up. Tuks stretched their lead to 46-26.

As the match approached its conclusion in the final 15 minutes, Tuks once again shifted gears and made the most of the second power play to secure a 60-44 victory.

CUT created history when they fought back to beat Madibaz 41-36 for their first-ever Varsity Netball victory.

The clash between CUT and the Madibaz was one of the most eagerly anticipated games of Round 4, with both seeking their first win of this year’s competition and knowing this was a golden opportunity to get their campaign on track. The pace in the opening exchanges was frenetic, resulting in a 7-7 deadlock after the first 15 minutes.

In the second period, the two sides remained evenly matched, but it was the Madibaz who edged ahead by making the most of their scoring opportunities while also keeping a lid on their unforced errors. One or two lapses saw CUT fall further behind, leaving them chasing the game as the Madibaz took a 21-15 lead into the half-time break.

The third quarter belonged to CUT. They played excellent netball as a team and clawed their way to within two goals of the Eastern Cape outfit. That comeback gave them a massive confidence boost heading into the final 15 minutes and with the scoreboard reading 27-25 in their opponents’ favour.

CUT then made the most of back-to-back PowerPlays in the closing stages to complete a stunning comeback and secure a historic 41-36 victory that was very much deserved.

NWU Eagles returned to winning ways with a narrow 50-48 victory over UFS Kovsies in the last match of round 4.

In a repeat of the Varsity Netball 2025 final, the Eagles held their nerve to deny a determined Kovsies side the send-off they wanted to give long-time coach Burta de Kock in front of their home crowd.

The defending champions held a slender lead after the first quarter. However, they called for an early power play which they failed to capitalise on. Instead, it was the hosts, Kovsies, who pounced to reduce the deficit. The visitors from Potchefstroom took a 13-11 lead into the mini break.

The second quarter remained a blow-for-blow affair, with neither side able to gain a clear ascendancy. The Eagles went to half-time leading 24-23.

The third quarter between these two old rivals was a bruising affair. Apart from the tempo going up a gear, the physicality also increased significantly. Kovsies managed to level the score 37-all, despite not fully capitalising on their power play either.

The final 15 minutes saw the defending champions race into a five-goal lead, but Kovsies refused to throw in the towel. They fought their way back to put themselves in a position to walk away with bragging rights, but the clock was against them as the Eagles held on for the 50-48 victory.