Events

The Anticipated Clash of Netball Giants: New Zealand and South Africa Face-Off in Cape Town

August 2, 2023

1 min read

netball world cup 2023 silver ferns Cape Town

The Netball World Cup 2023 is gearing up for a highly anticipated face-off between the Silver Ferns of New Zealand and the SPAR Proteas of South Africa. The two teams are set to compete in their second preliminary stage group G match in Cape Town on Wednesday. This encounter promises to be an epic one, given the storied history between the two teams, and the intriguing connection between their coaches, Noeline Taurua and Norma Plummer, who have faced each other before in the former trans-Tasman league.

Coaches’ Connection and Respect

Taurua, who leads the Silver Ferns, has expressed her high regard and fear for Plummer, the coach of SPAR Proteas. Despite being Australians, the two have competed against each other before, with Taurua leading the Waikato Bay-based Plenty Magic and Plummer at the helm of the Perth-based West Coast Fever. Taurua shared her feelings on the upcoming match, “Not particularly, she scares the s**t out of me. She is awesome, she is one of the best, she is a legend and I have so much respect for her.”

High-Stakes Matchup

The Silver Ferns face a daunting task of not only competing against the talented South African team but also facing the overwhelming support from the home crowd. The passionate South African fans have been a significant presence throughout the tournament, backing their team vociferously.

Taurua recognizes the challenge ahead, saying, “One thing we learned when we were here in January for the Quad Series is it’s not only South Africa but it’s the people who are sitting in the stands, and I am not too sure who scares me the most. It is going to be vocal out there.”

Determined Proteas

The SPAR Proteas are resolute in bouncing back from their first-stage defeat against Jamaica, believing that they are a stronger team than previous performances suggest. Taurua acknowledges this, saying “I think during the game against Jamaica they [the Proteas] may not have been happy with what they put up because I know they are a better team. I have so much respect for ‘Plums’ [Plummer] and it’s all on.”

A Match to Remember

The stage is set for a colossal showdown between New Zealand and South Africa, with both teams fighting for a spot in the semi-finals. This matchup, with the clash of the coaching titans, the sheer talent on display, and the electric atmosphere created by the fans, promises to be an unforgettable Netball World Cup encounter. As Taurua and Plummer prepare their teams, the world watches, eager to see which powerhouse will come out on top.

The Day Seawinds Residents Became Homeowners

Seawinds residents became homeowners on February 13, 2024, after receiving title deeds from the City’s Human Settlements Directorate. The event marked a significant milestone in establishing legal ownership and securing potential financial futures for the beneficiaries. The Directorate aims to transform more residents into rightful homeowners to build a legacy for future generations, and over R21.6 million has been earmarked to enhance the tracking and identification of rightful beneficiaries. By creating homeowners, the Directorate is contributing to the creation of a secure, prosperous future for the residents and their descendants.

The Dawn of Distress: A Housing Crisis at Cape Peninsula University

A housing crisis has hit Cape Peninsula University, leaving 100 students to live in a multipurpose hall due to a shortage of accommodation. This highlights the broader issue of housing affordability and accessibility at universities, where new policies inadvertently create disparity among students. The situation emphasizes the need for enhanced communication and empathy within universities and comprehensive systemic changes to address student housing issues. Students are struggling to cope with unhygienic conditions, and there is a pressing need for proactive steps to address the crisis.

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