Another year brings another Varsity Netball tournament, and one thing remains consistent—Tuks’ winning streak. The team has clinched the title three times, in 2017, 2019, and 2023.

The 2024 edition kicked off on Sunday, and Tuks continues its unbeaten run. They secured a dominant 96–9 victory over TUT, followed by a 64–39 win against Wits. These wins extend Tuks’ Varsity Netball winning streak to 11 consecutive games since last year.

Springbok rugby legend Naas Botha once said that the Currie Cup isn’t won in May, and the same holds for Varsity Netball. Tuks players are well aware that the tournament is far from over after just one round. This Sunday, they face off against Madibaz and North-West in Gqeberha, with the team from Potchefstroom expected to provide Tuks' ‘first real test.’ After North-West’s recent loss to Kovsies on Monday, this upcoming match is crucial for them, as another defeat could make qualifying for the semi-finals a challenging task.

On Wednesday, Erin Burger (Tuks's head coach) was still deciding who her "troops" for the next two fixtures would be. Simone Swanepoel, who has been selected for the Proteas under-21-side, is one of the youngsters hoping to get the nod to make her Varsity debut. If she does not, it won't end the world. 

"I know my time to play for Tuks will come, and it will be exciting. Not playing means I learn a lot to become a better player. Every player brings something unique to the game, and I want to bring some of that into how I play. I was especially impressed by how the goal shooters move around in the circle, as I also play as a shooter."

Asked what she considers her best traits as a goal shooter, Swanepoel said her ability to score from quite far in the circle.

"My height is a definite advantage. I am 1.95 metres tall and pretty good at scoring mid to long-range goals. I also pride myself on being quite accurate. To be able to do so takes hours of extra practice. The thing about playing as a shooter is to avoid getting rattled when you miss. I quickly put it out of my mind and focused on the following scoring opportunity. Watching the Varsity games, I realised I am too static in the circle. I need to move more. I can't only rely on my height to score."

Regarding role models, Swanepoel enjoys how Australia's Sophie Dwyer plays. 

"She is still a youngster. She is only 23, but she can dominate the circle every time she plays. I would love to be able to do so also."