Proteas ready for Tri-Nations challenge

The match will be the first of the tri-nations netball series. “We learnt valuable lessons playing against England a few weeks ago and we have patched up our mistakes,” Kotze said in a statement on Monday.

“The players are looking forward to taking to the court with the support of playing on home ground.” The Proteas open the tri-nations with a match against Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday and then play England on Wednesday.

Kotze said it was important for the Proteas to adapt to each style before taking to the court. “The Caribbean approach is a very free type of netball. They like to play a more direct game with aerial balls and are also very physical. They play a hard game, and you never quite know what to expect.

“The South African national netball team has had a few good practice sessions, and Captain Maryka Holtzhausen said that her team were ready to tackle the week head on.

“We’ve had some great training sessions. Our defence is looking strong, and having Dr Elsje Jordaan here to assist in coaching us on attack has brought a fresh new pair of eyes to our game.”

On Thursday, the visiting teams play each other, with the two log leaders going on to compete in Friday’s final.

– Sapa