The University of the Free State will face the University of Johannesburg in Bloemfontein next week in the final of the 2024 Varsity Netball.

On Monday night the Kovsies kept their chances alive for a fifth title following a 68-62 win against the outgoing defending champions, the University of Pretoria Tuks in the first semi-final.

Kovsies were in control of the game at the Callie Human Hall from start to finish and they are firm favourites to win the title.

The four-time champions held a narrow 15-13 lead after the first quarter and extended that to 35-31 at halftime.

Muhluri Hlatshwayo of UJ. Photo: Hannes Naudé/Asem Engage

In the third quarter, the Free Staters shifted gear to hold a healthy 10-goal lead going into the final 15-minute period. Tuks upped the tempo slightly in the final period in a desperate effort to keep their title defence alive.

Ultimately, the Kovsies were just too clinical and held on for the victory.

In the first semi-final in Bloemfontein, UJ was too strong for North-West University and they claimed a 55-48 win.

The final in Bloemfontein will be played on Monday at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg