Netball Proteas to face Ireland, Wales and Scotland
AFTER the trip to Jamaica was called off due to Covid-19, Netball South Africa (NSA) have moved swiftly to secure top friendly matches for the Proteas as part of preparations for the 2022 Commonwealth games.
NSA confirmed that Spar Proteas would play friendly matches against Ireland, Wales, and Scotland this month.
South Africa will travel to Dublin on Saturday. The team will play against Ireland upon arrival and will move to Northern Ireland later in the month to take on Wales and Scotland before they return to home soil on the 28th of October 2021.
“It was disappointing for us that we could not send the SPAR Proteas to Jamaica, the players who are selected for the national team have really put in all the hard work ahead of the Jamaica series, saving lives has always and will always be our number one priority, we therefore needed to make the best decision for the team, players and country as well,” said President of Netball South Africa Cecilia Polokwane.
“At the same time, we could not allow their hard work and preparation go to waste and it was therefore important that we enter into negotiations with other countries immediately to make sure that we give the team much needed game time.”
Shane van der Merwe has withdrawn from the team due to injury and was replaced by Monique Reyneke.
Zanele Vimbela, who has not been part of the team due to an injury she sustained last year during the Telkom Netball League, has made a comeback after making a full recovery.
Polokwane said they are confident and believe this is a good start for them as they are building
She added: “We have utmost confidence in the team that the coaches have selected, we believe that this is a good start for us as we build a team that will play against Trinidad & Tobago and the Sunshine girls. All the players that are here understand the responsibility bestowed upon them and I trust that they will take ownership of it. We wish them everything of the best,”
Travelling team
Defence: Phumza Maweni; Boitumelo Mahloko; Karla Pretorius; Simoné Rabie; Monique Reyneke
Mid-Court: Bongiwe Msomi (c); Refiloe Nketsa; Tshinakaho Mdau; Izette Griesel; Khanyisa Chawane
Shooters: Ine-Marí Venter; Lefebré Rademan; Sigi Burger, Elmeré van der Berg; Jessica du Plessis
