Netball looks to new horizons

With some fresh ideas, the country’s most popular women’s sport can take further steps forward, according to newly appointed Netball South Africa (NSA) president Cecilia Molokwane (above).

Molokwane, who replaced long-standing NSA president Mimi Mthethwa after being elected at the weekend, was set to meet with the federation’s new executive for the first time today.

“We need to work together and map out our future,” Molokwane said. “I believe netball, as the largest women’s sport in South Africa, can go from strength to strength.

“I have ideas but we need to work together to put them into practice.”

A former assistant coach of the national team and head coach of the SA Under-20 squad, Molokwane also previously served as the NSA director of selection.

“I am very excited about the future and I appeal to everyone in netball in SA to work together,” she said.

During her 12-year tenure, Mthethwa was credited for her efforts in launching the semi-professional Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League and negotiating a deal with Proteas consultant coach Norma Plummer, who had lifted the standards of the national team in the last couple of years.

At the close of her tenure, however, the Proteas continued their struggle to climb from fi fth place in the world rankings and the majority of the squad were still unable to play netball professionally.