Nett gains for Proteas?

THE importance of the Netball World Cup should not be underestimated.

It might not be in the popular discourse of South Africa right now, but be assured that for the 15 players selected for the showpiece event to be hosted in Cape Town and all of Netball South Africa (NSA), the World Cup is more than just an opportunity to maybe win some silverware.

In the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to interact on a more frequent basis with the organisation and the women who will represent our country when the tournament tips off on July 28, and there is an infectious positivity that surrounds the Proteas. That aura shouldn’t be ignored. This World Cup is about turning a semi-professional sport into a professional one and, for that to happen, civil society, big business and the government must become more involved.

The Proteas must do their part, too, but with the World Cup just around the corner, and having watched the team interact, that is arguably the least pressing concern right now.

Already, the first tangible steps have been taken when it comes to sponsorship and making a living out of the sport. Telkom has renewed their sponsorship with NSA, Hollywoodbets has come to the fore, and Puma has raised their hands to become the kit sponsor, while Energade’s keeping our netball stars nicely hydrated.

SPAR, meanwhile, remain steadfast in their commitment as the headline sponsor of the national team. NSA has been able to contract a small group of players, paying them salaries.

But much more is needed. On Saturday in Rosebank, Johannesburg, Samsung – through Telkom – gave the unknowing Proteas and technical team new S23s. The squad members whooped and cheered. Smiles radiated from their faces for the rest of the event.

One sensed it was somehow another step towards being acknowledged, another indication they had arrived, another tangible moment that greater things to come are just beyond the horizon.

The Netball World Cup is 64 days away. The trophy arrives on our shores today. The only thing left for the players is to prepare to the best of their abilities and for us to get behind them.

They deserve that, too.