The countdown to the 2023 netball quad series has reached its conclusion, as the Spar Proteas prepare to face Australia, England, and New Zealand at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Prior to the competition, which will include four of the greatest nations in a highly-anticipated series, South Africa last competed against Zimbabwe and Scotland in the SPAR Diamond Challenge in November.
England recently faced Jamaica in the Vitality Netball International Series, whereas Australia and New Zealand met in October’s Constellation Cup.
President of Netball South Africa, Cecilia Molokwane, told the media that the series will be an excellent opportunity to prepare for the 2023 Netball World Cup.
“We are less than two hundred days away from the World Cup, and I believe that the quad series is a perfect opportunity not only for the City of Cape Town to gauge their level of readiness, but also for all the teams that are here to see where they stand as we prepare for the global competition,” said Molokwane.
Head coach Norma Plummer emphasized the significance of the quad series, stating that they are ecstatic to be ranked among the top four nations and will strive to trigger an upset.
“We have a combination of seasoned and inexperienced good players. Plummer stated, “We just need to make sure we manage them well going into the series and that we get the best out of everyone.”
“Quad is essential, especially during World Cup year, and because we are also playing teams rated higher than us, we will have the opportunity to punch above our weight. I believe we have the potential to trigger a few upsets.”
Bongiwe Msomi, captain of the Spar Proteas, stated, “The girls are extremely pumped and ready to take the court.” Although it is still early in the year, spirits are pretty high. The series is crucial for us because we need to gauge our level of readiness, particularly for the World Cup.”
South Africa will be the first African country to host the Netball World Cup, which will take place in Cape Town from July 28 to August 6.
Quad Series Fixtures:
January 21, 2023
South Africa vs. New Zealand at 16:00
Australia vs. England at 18:00
January 22nd, 2023
South Africa vs. England at 16:00
Australia vs. New Zealand at 18:00
24-January-24
England vs. New Zealand at 16:00
South Africa vs. Australia at 18:00
January 25, 2023
16:00 Third & Fourth Place Playoffs
18:00 Final
»Spar Proteas hope to cause a shock in the quad series of netball«