Scotland sweep boosts Proteas ahead of games

Proteas head coach Elize Kotze said she had identified areas which needed improvement in the run-up to the Games.

“We now have a good idea of what we need to do in training before we start playing in Glasgow. We were very well tested by a Scotland side that showed improvement every time they played,” said Kotze.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the squad to take to court and test our combinations. I’m happy with the way the newcomers came through the matches and they all did very well.”

South Africa’s series win over Scotland at the weekend pushed the team up the International Netball Federation (INF) world standings from sixth to fifth position behind Jamaica, England, Australia and pace-setters New Zealand.

At the Games, taking place between July 23 to August 3, where 12 countries would be competing in the netball, South Africa was drawn in Pool B along with England, Australia, Trinidad &Tobago, Wales and Barbados.

Scotland would campaign in Pool A against New Zealand, Malawi, Jamaica, Northern Ireland and St Lucia.

Kotze said the good run of form was a confidence booster for the team.

“Going into the Games our confidence will be right up there. We started off perhaps slower than we would have liked but then we were made to work much harder as the matches went by.

“It was a wonderful test of character and I was pleased with the way the Proteas showed fighting spirit.

“We’re excited with the challenge the Games will throw up and we’ll be well prepared.”

Scotland coach Gail Parata praised the Proteas for their dominant display, and hoped for one last match before the commencement of the Games.

“We have to say the South Africans have an amazing team and I’m thrilled that my team showed improvement every time we were up against them,” said Parata.

“There is still so much of a gap between us (SA and Scotland). We played well at times but against South Africa you need to play well all the time.”