Proteas netball team off to Belfast

Speaking at a farewell function for the team last night, Netball South Africa president Mimi Mthethwa said the tournament was a wonderful opportunity for the coach and players to put into practice what they had learnt from former Australian coach, Norma Plummer, who spent valuable time with the national squad earlier this year.

“She suggested new ideas and a different approach, and the players will be able to try these out. I wish the team every success in this tournament.”

The other teams taking part in the European Championships are England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Trinidad and Tobago and Proteas coach Bennie Saayman said although South Africa was the second ranked team in the tournament, the Proteas could not afford to be complacent.

“There is no team taking part that we can take for granted – every match will be a challenge. And of course, the biggest challenge will be England, who are ranked third in the world. It is important for players to get as much international exposure as possible. The best way of learning how to play top teams is to play against them.”

She said she was very happy with the makeup of the team, which includes three new caps – Mari-Lena Joubert, Rochelle Lawson and Lauren-Lee Christians – as well as a number of very experienced players.

Two senior players, Bongiwe Msomi and Zanele Mdodana, who were initially in the squad, will not be making the trip to Ireland and have been replaced by Izette Lubbe and Shadine van der Merwe. “It is a very balanced team,” said Saayman. “It is important to introduce younger players into the national squad so we can see how they cope at the top level.”

Send your good luck messages to the Proteas Netball Team as they leave for Belfast in Northern Ireland for the European Championships by tweeting us @AlexNewsZA