Netball fever was in the Potchefstroom air on Sunday, 18 June when the 2023 Netball World Cup trophy tour made its way to Bult Superspar for a special unveiling of the World Cup trophy and to build hype for the upcoming World Cup.
The 2023 Netball World Cup will take place in Cape Town from 28 July – 6 August and will be the first ever edition to be hosted in South Africa.
Photos: Reg Caldecott:
Netball South Africa president, Cecilia Molokwane, was present in traditional attire as she expressed her excitement for this major tournament on SA shores. Various MEC’s and the executive mayor of J.B. Marks Municipality, Gaba Ka Qhele also attended the event.
North West netball president, Helene Botha, stated her excitement regarding the event.
“It was fantastic to see the trophy up close and to experience the excitement of the children and people regarding netball,” she stated.
The North West Flames netball team were in attendance for this event with the Proteas and NWU netball star, Elmeré van der Berg, also part of this celebration of netball.
It was a star-studded event with the North West netball fraternity from past and present gathered for this massive once in a lifetime occasion. The Dipitsi group also entertained attendees with a cultural dance to further liven the occasion.
The 2023 Netball World Cup Trophy Tour has travelled to different parts throughout the country to showcase the trophy and build excitement for the upcoming tournament. The Trophy Tour made its way to different locations in North West this past week to great excitement from locals.
The aim of the tournament is also to build a legacy of netball in South Africa and to grow the sport to the next level.
The Proteas will want to excel on home soil next month and make the country proud. They will start their campaign in group C alongside Jamaica, Wales and Sri Lanka.
South Africa placed fourth in the previous Netball World Cup in 2019 in Liverpool, England. New Zealand are the current world champions. New Zealand and Australia have dominated this tournament with Australia picking up 11 titles, New Zealand five and Trinidad and Tobago only one. South Africa’s best finish came in 1995 when they were runners-up.
All 60 matches will also be broadcast live on SABC and Supersport.
