Norma planning ahead

LOOKING to build on the progress of 2016, Proteas coach Norma Plummer named a 26-member squad for a training camp in Pretoria in July.

The former Australian coach will be looking to get a head start ahead of an international season that includes the Quad Series, the Diamond Challenge, and two Tests against Fiji.

Plummer and her assistant Nicole Cusack watched the last two weekends of eight-week Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League (BFNPL).

“We watched the play-off stages of the competition, and so were able to see how the players performed under pressure,” said Plummer.

“We have also watched videos of the other matches, so we got a very good idea of which players stood out.”

Four members of the squad – Lenize Potgieter, Bongiwe Msomi, Erin Burger and Karla Mostert – did not play in the BFNPL as they were overseas.

Plummer said she had followed their performances.

“I watched Erin and Karla playing in Australia and I was able to watch the others by live streaming,” Plummer said. “They have all done very well. Bongi was the player of the match in the final of the super league in England.

“I have also been in contact with their coaches, so I know what they have achieved.”

Plummer hopes the quartet’s experience in the competitive overseas leagues will inspire the rest of the squad. A team of 26 will be announced at the end of the training camp.

“We will be looking for players who can push the Proteas to greater things,” Plummer said. “They have reduced the goal difference against the top teams, and are getting to the stage where they can really challenge them.”

The Jaguars, who won the BFNPL, leave later this month for New Zealand, where they will play in an international club tournament. Plummer said this would be a fantastic experience, especially for those in the national training squad.