South Africa beats NZ to host 2023 Cup

AUCKLAND: New Zealand’s hopes of hosting the 2023 World Cup in its centenary year have been dashed after South Africa was announced bid winner.

It was brought to light in November last year that New Zealand was in a battle with South Africa to host the event, South Africa bidding for Cape Town and New Zealand for Auckland.

International Netball Federation president Molly Rhone yesterday announced that while both bids were equally competitive, the African nation’s pledge to further the sport in both coaching and playing got Cape Town over the line.

‘‘Where I think South Africa stood out was in their legacy programme to provide 16 strong wooden floors throughout different areas,’’ Rhone said.

‘‘They were also very strong in their provision of the assistance to delegates to get to congress. We sent the bids to our members and several of them favoured going to South Africa.

‘The fact they are going to invest so much into coaching not just here but helping other countries.’’

South Africa’s successful bid to host the 16th staging of the event is a first for any African nation.

South Africa is also the only nation ranked in the top five to not yet hold the event, a reason Netball New Zealand CEO Jennie Wyllie believes played heavily in their favour.

‘‘It is disappointing not to be successful, but we certainly want to wish South Africa all the very best,’’ Wyllie said.

‘‘It’s so multifaceted so we knew where our strengths lie and we’re really proud of that this is about where the INF saw an opportunity for expansion in the game.’’

Wyllie did not receive direct feedback on the INF’s decision but knows the criteria and can see where New Zealand’s strengths lay as well as South Africa’s. She is not ruling out another bid for 2027. — NZME