SPAR Fast5 Netball coach Elize Kotze says the Fast5 World Series tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, is the first step to the World Championships in Sydney, Australia, next year.
Speaking shortly before the team’s departure on Sunday, Kotze said that playing an intensive tournament involving the worlds top six netball countries was the ideal preparation for the world championships.
“It is a different format, but it will provide us with an opportunity to see how the youngsters in the team perform at international level,” she said.
“And what better test could there be than playing against the top teams. It is a great platform for us, and because of the unpredictable nature of Fast5, I believe we can do very well.”
South Africa play the three top teams, Australia, Jamaica and England on the opening day of the round robin tournament, and Kotze was very pleased that the team will be playing warm-up matches against the three teams before the start of the tournament next Saturday.
“We have had a very good build-up, with some excellent training camps, as well as the series against the Australian Sports Institute team in Potchefstroom last month.  The players are very focused, and they are playing as a unit.  The mood in the squad is excellent, and I believe we can do very well.”
Team captain Maryka Holtzhausen said she was excited by the presence of some young players in the squad.
“New blood always adds something to the team,” she said. “The other teams don’t know these players, and so they can spring some surprises.”
She said she and the other goalshooters had been practising shooting from outside the circle, so that they could gain extra points. “Some shooters prefer the comfort zone of shooting well within the circle, but we are hoping to take maximum advantage of the three-point rule.”
Netball South Africa chief executive Blanche de la Guerre said Fast5 netball (which can be compared to sevens rugby or Twenty20 cricket as a shorter, faster version of the traditional game) was based on quick decision-making, both by the coach and on court, and on making the most of opportunities as they came along.
“There’s also an element of luck involved, but a team makes its own luck,” she said. “We came fourth last year, and I believe we can win a medal this time.”
The Fast5 tournament will be played next Saturday and Sunday, with all the matches involving South Africa shown on television.