Proteas field strong team for World Cup

A strong contingent of netball players will represent South Africa at the World Cup.

Netball South Africa (NSA) recently announced a strong SPAR Proteas team for the Netball World Cup (NWC) in Sydney, in August.

The new head coach, Australian Norma Plummer, selected the squad after trials involving players who had taken part in the KwaZulu-Natal Diamond Challenge and in the European Championships in Belfast in May.

There were no major surprises in the squad. Erin Burger, who was named Player of the Tournament in the world championships in Singapore in 2011, was included, although she is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the recent Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League.

“Erin is on a rehabilitation programme, and we have a deadline for her recovery,” said Plummer. “If she is not match-fit by that date, we will make other plans.”

Plummer, who coached the team to victory in the Diamond Challenge which ended on Friday, said she felt privileged to be given the opportunity to coach such a talented group of athletes.

“I only have three weeks with them before the World Cup, whereas other coaches have had four to five years,” she said. “So I’m not saying we are going to win the World Cup. I just want to make sure we give the players the knowledge and confidence to take the next step.”

Plummer’s influence was clearly visible during the Diamond Challenge, particularly in the final, when the Proteas stormed back after trailing Malawi at halftime, to win the match by five goals.

SPAR Proteas: Lenize Potgieter, Melissa Myburgh, Lindie Lombard, Maryka Holtzhausen (captain), Bongiwe Msomi (vice captain), Izette Lubbe, Erin Burger, Precious Mthembu, Rochelle Lawson, Karla Mostert, Adele Niemand and Phumza Maweni.

Non-travelling reserves: Elsunet du Plessis, Lauren-Lee Christians and Zukelwa Cwaba.