ROSY NIGHT AHEAD FOR PROTEAS?

THE PROTEAS netball team will be looking to find that extra gear when they take on Commonwealth champions England in the Quad Series in London today (9pm SA time).

The South Africans have been able to hold their own against the top nations when the team’s top players are on the court.

But the lack of depth has been a major issue with national coach Norma Plummer calling for a professional league to be established to remedy the problem.

This issue was clear in the Proteas’ last Quad Series match against world champions Australia in Liverpool.

The South Africans had the Australia Diamonds under the cosh for much of the first half but were unable to keep up the intensity and ended up with a 17-point defeat (62-45).

“What has to be understood is that Australia have a full-time daily training environment,” Plummer said.

“South Africa don’t have this. I have just five days to get the players together, while the Australians have camp after camp with their team together.

“They also play in a full-time professional national league. The players are professional athletes who do not have to work. (This is one reason why) Australia are the world champions and South Africa are ranked fifth.”

The South African team’s experience has improved immensely over the last few years with some of the country’s top players plying their trade in overseas leagues.

SA captain Bongiwe Msomi, goal defence Karla Pretorius and goal-shooter Lenize Potgieter have been playing in, respectively, the Australian, New Zealand and England leagues.

In the meantime, Plummer will have to do with the resources she has at her disposal in this weekend’s matches against England and New Zealand.

The Proteas came within three points (45-42) of beating England in their last Quad Series encounter in 2018 in Melbourne. “Last time we played England, we were within just those three goals of beating them,” Plummer said.

“England and New Zealand are like Australia with their competitions. They have 14 rounds, plus finals, while South Africa doesn’t have a national league to that standard. It really has to come if they are to win at the highest level.”

The South Africans will be looking to emulate their performance from 2017 when they beat the Roses 54-51 in New Zealand. It was their first victory over England since 2013 and their biggest win over the Roses since 1997.

The Proteas will be looking for a vital confidence boost ahead of this year’s World Cup in Liverpool in July and a victory over England or New Zealand would be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Tomorrow the Proteas play the Silver Ferns after which the Roses take on the Diamonds.