Historic breakthrough for Netball SA after first group of local players receive professional contracts
Several local netball stars, who made their name as players at Tuks and the Gauteng Jaguars, are part of the group that was recently offered professional contracts by Netball SA in preparation for next year's World Cup in South Africa.
After years of hard work and performance on the netball court, a group of the best South African players finally received recognition for their sacrifice to the sport.
Netball SA has decided to offer professional contracts to a group of players, to enable them to eliminate logistical obstacles regarding their preparation for next year’s World Cup in Cape Town.
Several of the players who are part of this historical development towards professionalism in South African netball are ladies who made their name as part of the successful teams of Tuks and the Gauteng Jaguars.
Many of them nowadays already play professionally all over the world – especially in Australia. However, these contracts of Netball SA are pioneering work in local netball ranks.
After months of planning and preparation, Netball South Africa has finally confirmed the list of players who have been given contracts.
“Over the past three years I have been speaking about the need for and importance of turning the sport professional. This process, this moment right here is edging us closer to that goal. It is a work in progress. I am glad we are here, and we are starting with twenty-four players for now,” said Netball South Africa President, Cecilia Molokwane.
The federation has confirmed that of the 24 players who are contracted to the national team (SPAR Proteas), only seven are playing abroad and the others are locally based and have been playing in the ongoing Telkom Netball League.
Molokwane concluded by saying the door is not closed on anyone.
“We are always looking at other players who should be contracted and it is therefore important that we give everyone a fair chance to be part of the team,” she remarked.
The contracts of the players commenced on the 1st of April 2022, and it is performance based. All players are on a training programme that is put together by the coaching personnel as well as Strength & Conditioning coach. All players are mandated to avail themselves for training camps and programmes set out for the team.
“We are making history with having these players as the first group of contracted players in South Africa. I believe we are on the right track and will make value progress towards turning Netball professional with a move like this. I am happy with the players selected and looking forward to continuing developing each individual to create depth in our national squad,” said Dorette Badenhorst, SPAR Proteas Head Coach.
The list of contracted players is as follows:
Khanyisa Chawane; Marlize de Bruin (Gauteng Jaguars); Izette Griesel (Gauteng Jaguars); Kamogelo Maseko; Tarle Mathe; Tshina Mdau; Nomfundo Mngomezulu; Bongiwe Msomi; Lungile Mthembu (Gauteng Jaguars); Sesandile Ngubane; Refiloe Nketsa; Lenize Potgieter (Former Gauteng Jaguars); Karla Pretorius; Lefébre Rademan; Monique Reyneke; Nicola Smith; Nicholé Taljaard; Elmeré van der Berg; Shadine van der Merwe (Gauteng Jaguars); Jamie van Wyk; Ine-Marí Venter (Gauteng Jaguars); Zanele Vimbela; Boitumelo Mahloko; Phumza Maweni.
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