JOHANNESBURG – The Spar Proteas are delivering improved performances of late and it is time they got the credit they deserve.
That’s the view of Netball South Africa (NSA) president Cecilia Molokwane who addressed the media after the Quad Series over the weekend. The Proteas finished within five goals of two of the world’s top three countries, New Zealand and England. Earlier this month, they achieved their best result against perennial world champions Australia, losing by just four goals.
“The Proteas are playing better than ever and I am looking forward to seeing them take on the world at the Commonwealth Games,” said Molokwane.
“We want netball to become professional as soon as possible. We realise we can’t do it overnight, but that is our goal.
“At the moment, our top players have to go to Australia, England or New Zealand to earn money. We want to make it possible for them to stay here and focus on domestic netball.
“We also want to grow the Brutal Fruit Premier League,” she said.
Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa President Photo: Reg Caldecott
“A highlight of my presidency so far has been seeing a packed arena for our match against England. We are excited that the Ellis Park Indoor Arena was sold out (5000) before the match and we didn’t have to bus in a rent-a-crowd. I hope netball fans will turn out in numbers for the Brutal Fruit Premier League later this year.”
Molokwane said she hoped sponsors would take note of the good performances by the Proteas.
“We need to make sure that we can find another Bongi Msomi or Maryke Holtzhausen, so we will be going out to all areas to see if we can unearth hidden talent,” Molokwane said.
Legendary Australian-born coach Norma Plummer has been contracted to NSA until the World Cup in Liverpool in 2019.