‘Write SA off at your own peril’
SERIES: GUTSY PROTEAS GIVE KIWIS FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Coach Plummer says performance must serve as a timely warning to netball world.
The Proteas continued to signal to the netball world that they are on the rise with a tenacious performance against the world No 2 the Silver Ferns yesterday.
Although the final score-line was 65-46 in the New Zealanders’ favour, South Africa displayed a new confidence and commitment to lead the Kiwis by four goals well into the second quarter of their quad series match.
“We let the world know we are prepared to challenge everyone on every team,” Proteas coach Norma Plummer said. “We signalled it here tonight, as we did against Australia last weekend.
“It’s such a great effort, and they’re proving that getting that exposure to the top three teams in the world is the secret to their growth.”
After going down to the world champions Australia by 25 goals four days ago, the Proteas came out blazing, and caught the newlook Kiwis on the hop. But inexperience told on the South Africans in the second half, as the New Zealanders only grew in stature.
Nevertheless, Proteas captain Bongi Msomi was delighted with her team’s continuing improvement, but still mindful there is only room to get better in their next outing against the England Roses in Melbourne on Sunday.
“I think all of our girls really stepped out tonight, and I’m really proud of the Proteas,” Msomi said. “It’s definitely very hard for us to play against such teams, but this is part of our learning process. We still have to work hard on our consistency.” – Own correspondent