Long-term role for Ekenasio?
At a glance
Ameliaranne Ekenasio could be the Silver Ferns’ captain through to the 2023 Netball World Cup.
The 29-year-old goal attack was unveiled as the new skipper for the Nations Cup tournament in England, which begins against the hosts in Nottingham on Monday (6am NZ time).
With World Cup-winning captain and 163-test veteran Laura Langman sitting out this series, along with fellow centurion Katrina Rore, the Ferns were in need of a freshly minted captain.
Australian-born Ekenasio, who has played 37 tests since her debut in 2014, was something of a surprise choice with defender Jane Watson seeming the most obvious candidate.
Ekenasio, who has a New Zealand father and Nga¯ puhi heritage, is set to be the 27th captain in Ferns’ history when she leads the side on Monday.
The Silver Ferns once again used their team voting system which included all players, management, Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie and head of high performance Keir Hansen. Ferns coach Noeline Taurua said they took into consideration performance, relationships, communication styles, and personal characteristics.
Ekenasio – New Zealand’s best player in last year’s World Cup win – will be joined by vicecaptains Watson and Gina Crampton, who have led the
Tactix and Steel respectively in domestic netball.
Langman should be back in charge as New Zealand captain later in the year when she returns to the court, but Taurua said it wasn’t a certainty.
Should Ekenasio, who has minimal captaincy experience, never having led the Central Pulse, thrive in the role, she could potentially continue on.
Langman, 33, is unlikely to play through to the 2023 World Cup in South Africa so the Ferns could opt to keep Ekenasio as captain for their home series later this year and October’s Constellation Cup against Australia.
‘‘There is the possibility that this is it and [Ekenasio’s] leadership may go through to the next worlds over this four-year cycle,’’ Taurua told Stuff. ‘‘I’m really
Midcourters: open, as I know Laura is as well, just through some of the talks we’ve had earlier on.
‘‘I think we will ascertain what’s required at the moment in time, when and if Laura comes back, but I also know Laura will be so supportive of not only Ameliaranne, but also Jane and Gina to be able to lead.’’
Ekenasio was overcome by emotion when Taurua informed her she would be captain.
It had come as a shock, but Taurua said she had all the qualities and the respect within the group to flourish.
‘‘Her own reflection is what we’re actually talking about, in regards to how fast everything has turned around and now she’s highly regarded by her peers as the captain.
‘‘Although there was emotion around it, there was a lot of pride, but very contained in what she did display.’’