Netball South Africa Announces Squad for the 2023 Netball World Cup
Netball South Africa has recently announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming Netball World Cup, which will be held on African soil for the first time. Head coach Norma Plummer, in collaboration with an Australian consultant, carefully selected the squad during the team’s four-week training camp at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sports (SAS).
Selection Process and Squad Members
The selection process for the team was rigorous, considering only the best players for the South African squad. Bongi Msomi will captain the team, and Karla Pretorius will serve as vice-captain. Nicola Smith, who will be making her World Cup debut, also joins the elite group.
Tournament Details and Preparation
The Netball World Cup will run from 28 July to 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Coach Plummer has expressed confidence in the chosen athletes, noting the extensive training and practice matches that allowed her to carefully select the 15 best players. Following the conclusion of the Netball League on 1 July 2023, the players will reassemble at Stellenbosch for the final stretch of their World Cup preparations.
Netball South Africa President’s Emphasis on the Importance of the Tournament
Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane emphasized the importance of this tournament for the country and the continent. She communicated her faith in the team’s abilities and encouraged them to make history. A podium finish as hosts would be a fitting achievement.
Squad Members
The Proteas squad members for the 2023 Netball World Cup are Bongiwe Msomi (captain), Karla Pretorius (vice-captain), Khanyisa Chawane, Izette Griesel, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Phumza Maweni, Lenize Potgieter, Lefebre Rademan, Nicola Smith, Jeante Strydom, Nichole Taljaard, Elmere van der Berg, Shadine van der Merwe, and Ine-Mari Venter.
The Netball World Cup being held in Africa for the first time is a momentous occasion for the continent and the sport. South Africa’s 15-player squad, featuring both experienced and debutant players, has a promising chance to make history and achieve a podium finish on home soil. The extensive preparation and training that has gone into selecting and forming the team will undoubtedly pay off as they take on the world’s best netball players in Cape Town.
