Proteas must build on World Cup success
AS the dust settles on South Africa’s campaign at the Netball World Cup, the question arises as to how the country can top their fourth-place finish in four year’s time.
Netball SA (NSA) should be commended for raising the standards within the national setup which included South Africa’s involvement in the Quad Series.
Appointing Australian coach Norma Plummer was a major coup and a master-stroke which ultimately saw the Proteas rise in the global ranks.
The Proteas suffered a comprehensive 58-41 defeat to the England Roses in their bronze-medal match but bowed out with their heads held high.
Plummer lay the foundation for South African netball not only because of her direct involvement in the team but also due to the influence she wields around the world. The majority of Plummer’s charges received opportunities to play in the top leagues in Australia, New Zealand and England where they got to sharpen their skills.
“We came here on a mission with the South African girls, and it started four years ago,” Plummer said.
“In 2015 we took them from eighth to fifth and although we’ve been ranked fifth for a while playing against all the big guns,” Plummer said. “We’ve been able to jump a hurdle, make fourth, and that was my mission to get us into the top four.”
Plummer said the team’s gutsy victory over world No 2 side Jamaica was one of the highlights of the tournament and signalled South Africa’s rise.
“The win over Jamaica was amazing for us because we had to get over that hurdle before we could get anywhere,” she said. “Look, I think we’ve set South Africa up for the future, and I just hope they can keep that going.”
The tournament confirmed the rise of South African players’ stocks on the global stage with wing defence Karla Pretorius being named Player of the World Cup.
“I feel very honoured to have been named the best player of the World Cup,” Pretorius said. “You are only as good as those around you, and the team did so well at this World Cup. Even though we won’t return to South Africa with a medal, I know we all put our hearts and souls into every game in Liverpool and can hold our heads high.”
Netball SA now needed to make a decision about who would be able to lead the Proteas to the 2023 Netball World Cup that will be played on home soil in Cape Town.
Dorette Badenhorst appears to be one of the front-runners as part of the coaching staff during this year’s World Cup. South Africa could also further develop rising coaches Jenny van Dyk and Dumisani Chauke.