The 24-year-old Proteas player is preparing for her fifth Varsity Netball campaign with Madibaz as she closes the door on a five-year university journey.
South Africa (21 August 2026) – This year’s Varsity Netball tournament will be about much more than one final competition.
Juanita van Tonder is preparing for her fifth Varsity Netball campaign with Madibaz, and as she gets ready to take the court for the final time, she can look back on a journey that has taken her from a shy university newcomer to a Proteas player.
Madibaz begin their campaign in Stellenbosch on Sunday, when they face North-West University at 3pm.
“It’s such a bitter-sweet moment. There have been so many good things, as well as some lows, but I am grateful for every moment.”
Netball has been part of her life from an early age. Her mother played korfball, a mixed-gender sport with similarities to netball, meaning Van Tonder grew up around the courts and developed her own love for the game.
She started out as a goal shooter before moving into defence while playing for Framesby High School. Perhaps the biggest transformation, though, has been within Van Tonder herself.
She remembers arriving at university as a bashful first-year who was nervous about sharing a court with established players. Five years later, she is heading into her final Varsity Netball campaign as a confident competitor who has gone on to represent South Africa.
“I went from a shy first-year who was scared to go on court against the big names to a player who looks challenges in the eye with excitement.”
And while her Varsity Netball chapter is coming to an end, Van Tonder hopes the lessons she has learnt can continue to help those coming through behind her.
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