Proteas netball side geared for Cup glory

THE Proteas netball team is going to the 14th Netball World Cup stronger and braver than ever.

The Netball World Cup was due to kick off in Sydney today, with 16 teams competing for the world title. Sixty-four matches will be played over 10 days.

The South African team is ranked fifth in the world, with Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and England above them.

Netball South Africa chief executive Blanche de la Guerre said the team, a combination of experienced and young players, was geared for action.

“The World Cup is going to be tough, but the team is very brave and strong. I have lots of faith in the girls. About 60 percent of the players have been together for more than five years, while we have new players who will also bring fantastic energy,” De la Guerre told the Cape Times from Sydney yesterday.

The Proteas played their first game against Malawi at 4.40am South African time today.

“Malawi is our biggest competitor in our pool,” De la Guerre said.

Tomorrow the Proteas will take on Singapore and on Monday they face Sri Lanka.

Sydney is eight hours ahead of South Africa and De la Guerre said all the games would be aired on Super-Sport