Netball Fast5 series launched

“We are very excited at the prospect of showcasing netball in a different but very attractive format, the Fast5,” NSA president Mimi Mthethwa said in a statement.

“Our Proteas have over the past five years been part of the exciting and hotly contested Fast5 Netball World Series played only by the top six netball countries in the world.”

South Africa had grown in the international five-a-side tournament, ending third and fourth in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

“The performance of our team at this global stage shows the potential we have of ending first if we were to focus on the development of players suited to and familiar with the Fast5 netball format.”

Fast5 is a shorter, faster version of the netball played with fewer players on court yet producing higher scoring games.

Mthethwa said it would be ideal to have a specialist Fast5 national team, which was separate from the Proteas team.”

NSA vice president Blanche de la Guerre said it was vital that more players be exposed to the format.

“The Fast 5 game is about, quick decision making, luck and chance. The more you play it the better you will get,” he said.

The inaugural Fast5 Netball National Series tournament takes place at the SANDF Kopanelo Hall in Potchefstroom from February 28 to March 2.

– Sapa