SA netball teams for challenge announced

Proteas, President’s XII set to take on regional rivals

The two SA netball teams set to do battle at the Diamond Challenge in Limpopo this week were announced by the national team coach, Norma Plummer, in Tshwane yesterday.

Following a week-long training camp, two teams were selected to take on the national sides from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia over five days of expected scintillating action at the Ngoako Ramathlodi Sports Complex in Seshego from tomorrow.

South Africa will be represented by the Proteas as well as a President’s XII, to showcase some up-and-coming stars. Speaking at the announcement, Plummer said: “I was happy with the standard of players at camp to select the strongest possible Protea team.”

She has attached little value to the fact that South Africa has dominated previous tournaments.

“We will respect all teams we play in the Diamond Challenge and we will work hard to win these games,” Plummer said. “Africa plays a unique style of netball, and our girls need to adapt to that style as four African teams will be at the World Cup in Liverpool next year, and the Proteas need to be well prepared.”

She said it was important the President’s XII were part of the Diamond Challenge.

Bongi Msomi was named captain of the Proteas side, and Karla Pretorius as vicecaptain. Jessica Khomo was selected to fill be captain for the President’s XII team. Danelle Lochner is vice-captain.