The Proteas quest for World Cup glory starts at 6pm on Friday after the opening ceremony takes place at 4pm. The South Africans – playing on home soil – are rated fifth in the world rankings and should be a handful for the Welsh team, but they will, nonetheless, need all the support they can get.
THE PRIDE of South African netball, the SPAR Proteas will be kicking off their Netball World Cup campaign against the ninth-ranked Wales, a team who are making their first appearance at a World Cup since 2015.
The Proteas quest for World Cup glory starts at 6pm on Friday after the opening ceremony takes place at 4pm. The South Africans – playing on home soil – are rated fifth in the world rankings and should be a handful for the Welsh team, but they will, nonetheless, need all the support they can get.
The DFA spoke to sports clubs, unions and federations around Kimberley to get a feel of the level of support for the Proteas as they prepare for Friday’s kick-off.
𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 🏆
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 1⃣South Africa is grouped with Jamaica, Wales and Sri Lanka in Group C. Catch the SPAR Proteas in action LIVE on SuperSport and SABC Sport. 👏
🇿🇦🇯🇲🏴🇱🇰#SPARProteas | #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/c4nq7NndQ0
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 20, 2023
The Kimberley Darts family are standing behind the team.
“On behalf of the Kemo Darts Club, Viceroy Darts Club, and Fantastic Four Darts Club, we want to extend our heartfelt support and best wishes as you, The SPAR Proteas, embark on your journey in the Netball World Cup. You are the epitome of dedication, skill, and perseverance, and we are immensely proud to have you represent our nation on the global stage.
“Just like dart players aim for the bullseye, we know that you will strive for excellence in every match, demonstrating the same precision and focus that define our sport. Your unyielding passion for netball and the hours of hard work you’ve put into honing your craft will undoubtedly shine through on the court.
“Remember, in both darts and netball, the power of teamwork cannot be underestimated. Trust in your teammates, communicate effectively, and support each other like the champions you are. Together, you form an unstoppable force that embodies the true spirit of sportsmanship.
“Regardless of the outcome, know that you have already made us proud. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you this far, and the memories you create during the tournament will last a lifetime.
“Go forth, South African Netball Team, and show the world the strength and unity of our nation. Play with passion, heart, and the knowledge that your fellow dart players will be watching and rooting for you every step of the way.”
Counting down the hours! ⏰ We can't wait for the 𝗕𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧 netball extravaganza to begin! 🙌🌍🏆
Can’t be in Cape Town for the games? Follow the action on 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 and 𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗖 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁. 🤩#SPARProteas | #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/lH099b0Iir
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 27, 2023
Chairman of the Northern Cape Hockey Federation Brynmor Le Hanie was similarly excited for the SA Team.
“On behalf of the Northern Cape Hockey Federation (NCHF), we are thrilled to extend our heartfelt support and best wishes as you prepare for the upcoming Netball World Cup. Your dedication and passion for the sport have been an inspiration to all of us, and we have no doubt that you will shine brightly on the world stage.
“Have unwavering faith in yourself and your talented teammates. Trust in the hours of training and preparation you’ve invested, knowing that you are capable of achieving greatness. In the face of challenges, remember that you have the support of an entire nation and the Northern Cape Hockey Federation standing firmly behind you.
“Just like in hockey, teamwork is paramount in netball. Together, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Encourage each other, lift one another up, and play with a spirit of camaraderie that exemplifies the essence of team sports.
On behalf of NCHF and the entire Northern Cape community, we send you all our love, support, and best wishes. You are not only representatives of South African netball but also ambassadors of sportsmanship and dedication.”
Our SPAR Proteas Management Team. 💪 Together, we stand strong, driven by their vision and support, ready to conquer the world! 🙌🇿🇦#SPARProteas | #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/agVcegYGUr
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 27, 2023
The Diamond Ladies Football Club were keen to remind the Proteas about their team-family.
“Sending our heartfelt support and best wishes from the Diamond Ladies Football Club! As you head into the Netball World Cup, remember that you are not alone; the entire nation stands behind you. Your dedication to the game and teamwork make us proud.
“Remember, your team becomes your family, the ball becomes your best friend, the court becomes your home, and the game becomes your life.
“Go out there and make Mzansi shine!”
Mzwandile Flatela, Head of the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League Competition Committee extended wishes on behalf of the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League.
“On behalf of the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League, I extend our warmest support and best wishes as you embark on your journey in the Netball World Cup as the host nation. We are thrilled to see you represent our rainbow nation, and we have no doubt that you will make us incredibly proud.
“As you step onto the court, know that you carry the hopes and dreams of an entire nation. Your dedication, hard work, and unity have been an inspiration to all of us. Your passion for the game reflects the same spirit we see in our football league.
“With the whole country behind you, we are confident that you will excel in every game. Your talent and determination will shine, and we have no doubt that you will leave a lasting impact on the world stage.
“Go girls! Show the world the strength and grace of South African netball. You have all the support and love from the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League.
“I wish you the best of luck in all your games!”
The Northern Cape Basketball Association also wanted to boost the team ahead of the tournament’s kick-off.
“On behalf of the Northern Cape Basketball Association, we would like to give our full support to the Protea Netball Team as they take on the world in the World Cup by saying ‘Phambili Maqhawekazi Phambili’ (Forward Heroines Forward).
“Go out there and make the South African nation proud. Show the world that South Africa is a force to be reckoned with. You have worked hard, and now is your time to shine.”
Northern Cape Heat cricket assured the netball team of their support.
“The Northern Cape Heat Cricket Team, would like to wish the South African Netball Team all the best for the upcoming World Cup hosted in Cape Town.
“Good Luck, and play your hearts out.
“Northern Cape Cricket will be watching and supporting you all the way.”
The Kumgang Taekwondo club also kicked in with warm wishes for Team SA.
“The Kumgang Taekwondo would like to wish the South African Netball Team good luck for the World Cup.
“We will be rooting for you!”
