Seen Here: The Power of the Stripe is surging! UP-Tuks have stormed into the 2026 Varsity Netball home semi-final after emphatic victories over UJ and Wits, including a commanding 20-point win in their final round-robin clash. The Stripe Generation now faces arch-rivals NWU Eagles on 21 September at Rembrandt Hall, with a place in the final at stake. Photo Credit: Supplied
Tshwane, 16 September 2026 — The University of Pretoria’s Tuks have hit top gear at precisely the right time, securing a home semi-final in the 2026 Varsity Netball tournament after a commanding finish to the round-robin stage.
The Stripe Generation closed out the league phase with two emphatic victories, including a 20-point demolition of Wits in their final fixture, to finish second on the log and earn home-court advantage in the knockout stage.
Tuks had already built considerable momentum during the campaign, but their performances in Rounds 6 and 7 underlined their credentials as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Their Round 6 encounter against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) produced another convincing victory on home turf before Tuks turned their attention to Wits in the final round-robin clash.
Against the Johannesburg side, Tuks delivered a dominant display, pulling away to secure a 20-point victory and finish the league phase in style.
The two bonus-point wins proved crucial, guaranteeing Tuks a place in the semi-finals and the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters.
Waiting for them will be a familiar opponent: the North-West University Eagles.
The semi-final will revive one of Varsity Netball’s most fiercely contested rivalries, with Tuks now just one victory away from earning a place in the 2026 final.
For head coach Amanda Mynhardt, the manner in which her side closed out the round-robin phase is particularly encouraging.
“We knew we had to be ruthless in these last two round robin games to secure that home advantage, and the ladies were exceptional,” said Mynhardt.
“To beat UJ emphatically and then dominate Wits by 20 points shows the character and depth in this squad. We are playing our best netball at the right time.”
The next challenge, however, is likely to demand another step up.
With the Eagles standing between Tuks and a place in the final, Mynhardt is calling on the university community to turn Rembrandt Hall into a wall of support.
“We need the Rembrandt to be full. We need the noise, the gees, the Power of the Stripe behind us. This is a home semi-final and our supporters are our 8th player,” she said.
“Come out in numbers as we set out to secure our place in the final of the 2026 Varsity Netball.”
The semi-final is scheduled for 21 September at 17:00 at Rembrandt Hall, University of Pretoria’s Hillcrest Campus, with tickets available at the door and through the Varsity Netball ticketing platform.
For Tuks, the equation is now simple: one home court, one fierce rival and one opportunity to reach the Varsity Netball final.
After finishing the league phase with two statement victories, the Stripe Generation will be hoping their best is still to come.
UP-Tuks vs NWU Eagles — Varsity Netball Semi-Final
📅 21 September 2026
📍 Rembrandt Hall, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest Campus
⏰ 17:00
