Two games and two victories are not too shabby, but Tuks's real battle to win the 2023 Varsity Netball edition still lies ahead.

On Saturday in Soweto, Tuks will be playing Kovsies and, on Monday, Maties. If Tuks can win both games, they are nearly sure to contest the semi-finals.

But it is going to take guts and determination. Maties are the defending champions of the title having won it unbeaten in 2022. Maties also won the USSA Tournament in July by beating Tuks in the final. The one sure thing when Tuks and Kovsies face off on a netball court is that it will be a humdinger, as both teams are known for their never-say-die attitudes.

Milla Coetzee who was named the FNB Player of the Match against UWC, said for Tuks to go all the way, it would mean that from Saturday, the team will have to make sure they make each of the 60 minutes count.

"What cost us during the 2023 USSA Netball Champs was that we would be competitive for 15 minutes, then at some stage, it was as if we lost focus. Making mistakes was also costly. We did the same in our first game on Sunday against UJ. In doing so, we have put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. To win, you need to be at your best all the time. We have worked hard to do so in the build-up to the Varsity Netball Tournament."

Coetzee is quite a versatile player. She can play wing defence, wing attack, or centre. But she prefers to play centre.

"Playing centre is like being in the team's engine room. You are the playmaker, the link between defence and attack. It means you've got to think on your feet. I have certainly benefitted from playing wing defence and wing attack."

As to what she considers her best asset as a centre, Coetzee said she thinks it is her speed and endurance.

"I love running. Over weekends, when times allow for it, I like to go for a five- to 10-kilometre run. The goal is to hopefully be fit enough to run the Comrades two years from now. But first, I will attempt to run a marathon. Running has helped me be a better volleyball player. I can run the whole game. I won't lie. There are times when the continuous running takes its toll, but when you play to help a team win, it is a small price to pay."

In their first Varsity encounter on Sunday, the Tuks had to keep their wits about them to beat UJ 58-53. On Monday, Tuks outplayed UWC to win 65-48.

After the first two rounds, Maties, Tuks, and Northwest are the only three unbeaten teams. All three teams got eight points in the log standings. Kovsies are fourth with five points. They lost 46-43 to Maties on Monday.