The SPAR Proteas netball team flew to the United Kingdom on 27 June ahead of the Netball World Cup in England.
The team travelled straight to Wales, where they will have a training camp before playing two tests against Wales.
Speaking on the eve of the team’s departure, head coach Norma Plummer highlighted the importance of the training camp. “It gives me a chance to assess the players and see what we need to work on, and it also gives the players some match time ahead of the World Cup.”
Plummer added that the team had shown tremendous growth since she took over. “The quad series against Australia, New Zealand, and England have been extremely important in helping them to learn to play in pressure situations. In January, we beat England and then went on to take New Zealand to extra time,” she said.
“We have six players in the Suncorp League in Australia, which is the most competitive league in the world. Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni have been playing together for Sunshine Coast Lightning and have developed into the best all defensive unit in the competition.”
Netball coach at Fourways Action Sports, Xoli Nyamanda said she was expecting the team to return home with a medal. “I think coach Plummer has selected a good squad, yes it will be tough we competing against top teams but I think we’ve got what it takes.”
Netball coach at Reddam Waterfall, Emma Stowe predicted that the team would finish in the top five. “Since Norma Plummer took over, the quality of netball being played has improved so much, I’m very satisfied with the squad. The majority of the team are playing in top leagues around the world which shows the standard of players that have been selected.”
Stowe added, “I don’t think there’s pressure on them, those who will be following the netball World Cup will see that we are amongst the best netball teams in the world no matter the achievement. It will be acknowledged that South Africa are title contenders.”
South Africa will open their World Cup campaign against Trinidad and Tobago on 13 July this year.
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