Proteas looking to sparkle
DIAMOND CHALLENGE: PROTEAS TIPPED FOR HONOURS
Wesley Bo on
While the Proteas have displayed dominance against African opposition in the annual series in recent years, head coach Norma Plummer believes this week’s Diamond Challenge campaign will offer them valuable game time ahead of next year’s Netball World Cup.
South Africa were set to be represented by two teams at the five-day Diamond Challenge tournament starting in Seshego today, after Plummer named a Proteas side and a Presidents squad on Sunday, following a week-long national training camp in Pretoria.
They were preparing to face sides from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“I think our camp was really good and I was absolutely impressed with the standard of the players who presented themselves,” Plummer said.
“It’s great to see (experienced centre) Erin Burger back on the court, and I think we’ve got a real team to challenge in this series, and hopefully take a clean sweep.”
The Proteas, ranked fifth in the world, were unlikely to receive much of a challenge in their attempt to lift the trophy, with Zimbabwe ranked 13th, Zambia in 17th, Botswana in 22nd and Namibia down in 28th spot in the global list.
Plummer nonetheless felt the tournament would give them an idea of what to expect at the World Cup.
“We will respect all teams we play in the Diamond Challenge and we will be working hard to win these games confidently,” she said.
“Africa play a unique style of netball and our girls need to adapt to that style as four African teams will be at the World Cup in Liverpool next year and the Proteas need to be well-prepared.”
The Proteas are captained by regular skipper Bongi Msomi, while the Presidents XII, which included some of the country’s most promising young players, would be led by Jessica Khomo.
The Proteas were scheduled to face Namibia in their opening clash at 3pm this afternoon, with the Presidents XII meeting Zambia at 7pm.