Two South African Netball sides named ahead of Diamond Challenge
National Netball coach Norma Plummer announced two national teams to take part in the Diamond Challenge tournament this week.
Several local stars have been included in the two national netball teams announced this weekend on the eve of the Diamond Challenge tournament against four other Southern African nations.
South Africa will be represented by the SPAR Proteas as well as a President’s XII, which will showcase some of the up and coming stars of the game.
Following a week-long training camp, the two teams were selected to take on national sides from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia over five days of scintillating action at the Ngoako Ramathlodi Sports Complex in Seshego, Limpopo from 27 November to 1 December.
Speaking at the announcement, national coach Norma Plummer said she was extremely happy with the standard of players at the camp and that she was able to select the strongest possible SPAR Protea Team.
“We will respect all teams we play in the Diamond Challenge and we will be working hard to win these games confidently. African teams play a unique style of netball and our girls need to adapt to that style,” said Plummer when asked about South Africa’s dominance in previous tournaments.
Plummer said that it was important for the Presidents XII were part of the Diamond Challenge.
“We need to develop the next tier of athletes with international experience as they are the feeder team to the SPAR Proteas and in case of injuries the Presidents XII will give us replacement options,” she explained.
Bongi Msomi from Kwazulu-Natal was named as captain of the SPAR Proteas side, while former pupil of Hoërskool Zwartkop in Centurion, Karla Pretorius, will serve as vice-captain.
“I feel confident going into the Diamond Challenge. We have a strong and solid team. The competition is not going to be easy as the African countries are improving all the time and are hungry to impress against the SPAR Proteas,” said Pretorius after she was appointed vice-captain.
The Proteas will play their first match against neighbours Namibia. Games will be broadcast live on SuperSport 8.
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