Mpumalanga Sunbirds team announced

As their names were announced by Mpumalanga Netball president Christelle van Wetten, MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Thandi Shongwe handed them their blazers. Fifteen players were selected, although 13 attended the event.

• Goal third: Danelle Willemse GS/GA, Linmari Potgieter GS/GA/WA, Atacia Mbuyane GS/GA/WA, Zanele Mokoena GS/GA and Walene Scholtz GS
• Centre third: Sanele Buthelezi C/WA, Danae van der Bergh C/WA/WD, Connie Phala C/WA, Marissa Harris WD/C/GD, Busiswe Mkhize WD/C/GD and Adelia Manjate C/WA/WD
• Defence third: Tumelo Nkoe WD/GD (team captain), Jancke Penning GD/GK, Maryke Coetzee GK/GD (vice-captain) and Sindile Nkuna GK/GD.

Team manager is Maria Cato, assistant coach is Thembilsile Mgwenya, the statistician is Bongekile Mahlangu and the coach is Theresa Rossouw.

ALSO READ:Sunbirds ready to blitz the court

Lentsa Motua, a 2018 Sunbirds’s captain and now a 2019 Protea player, gave a message of support during the event to the new team.

Motua congratulated the selected players and reminded them that they should give the games their all every time they play.

“A lot of people would love to be where you are, but they are not and you are. You need to remember that when you go out there to play you are going to represent your province and I will also do the same when I play. I will always be a Mpumalanga netball player even when I am playing on national level. I have gotten to where I am today because of the people who are in this room and the support they gave me,” said Motua.

Rossouw said she is very excited about the talented group of players they have this year.

“Our goal for 2019 National Premier League (NPL) is definitely to improve and go for the top five. We want to challenge the bigger provinces. We want to show them that we are ready, willing and able to beat them.

We have fantastic talent and great athletes in our team. We are very proud of the players who have been chosen to present our province.

ALSO READ:Tactical battle for Sunbirds against Jaguars

“The are many new faces in the team and a good blend of youth and also experienced players. We are blessed that the majority of them have represented Mpumalanga on school level and that we could bring them back to MP again.

“Our training camps over weekends are very powerful, we sharpen their skills and match play abilities. During the week the players are dedicated and work on their fitness and conditioning,” she said.

“I want to bring pride to the team where we build a legacy that we are great people and role models, so that we can use this responsibility to become better players and a team that everybody will be proud of,” said Rossouw.

She said the team will miss Motua dearly, although they are proud that a Mpumalnga girl was selected into the president’s team.