SA Proteas Netball Team Finishes 6th Netball World Cup

Proteas Netball-World-Cup-2023, Finished 6th Place.

South Africa’s journey at the Netball World Cup was filled with excitement and challenges, culminating in a thrilling 5th-place playoff against Uganda. The atmosphere in the sold-out CTICC arena was electrifying as fans passionately sang “Shosholoza” to support their team on the final day of the tournament.

Led by Captain Bongi Msomi, the South African team showed determination to end the competition on a high note. However, they faced a tough battle against their fellow Africans and were narrowly defeated 49-47. The first quarter saw Uganda take a one-goal lead, as both teams fought hard on the court.

The second quarter showcased South Africa’s resilience, but Uganda’s strong defense and skilled shooters made it challenging for the Proteas to catch up. At halftime, the score was tied at 23-23, but the ‘She Cranes’ managed to gain a two-goal advantage in the third quarter.

Heading into the final quarter, South Africa had to mount a comeback to secure a victory, but despite their efforts, Uganda held their ground. The match ended with a two-goal loss for the home team, leaving Vice-captain Karla Pretorius and her teammates deeply disappointed.

Reflecting on the tournament, Pretorius acknowledged the pressure of hosting the World Cup for the first time on African soil. She expressed gratitude for the support and vowed to learn from the experience and focus on the positives.

Although the loss was tough, Pretorius made it clear that she was not retiring from international netball and would continue to play professionally in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball league. Her dedication and passion for the sport remained unwavering.

Despite the playoff result, the South African team’s performances throughout the tournament were impressive, captivating fans and inspiring the next generation of netball players. With one draw, two losses, and four wins, they showcased world-class abilities and left a lasting impact on the game.

As the Netball World Cup organizers had predicted, it was only a matter of time before an African team made history by claiming the coveted title. Throughout the tournament, the song “It’s time for Africa!” echoed, symbolizing the rise of African netball on the global stage.

Source: EWN