The journey towards the prestigious Netball World Cup of four Free State-based netball players is in full swing following their inclusion in the Spar Proteas strong 15 squad for the 2023 international netball tournament in Cape Town this month.
The quartered comprises of Khanyisa Chawane, Refiloe Nketsa, Boitumelo Mahloko, and Karla Pretorius. They are part of the 24 players Netball South Africa awarded performance-based contracts from 1 April 2022 till December 2023. The players are earmarked to represent the country at this year’s Netball World Cup, to be staged in Cape Town from 28 July till 6 August.
The quartered selection is based on the current rich vein of form which will guarantee them selection for the team to compete in the coveted World Cup later this year. The star players are regulars in the senior national netball team, having represented the country at various competitions. Their inclusion in the Proteas squad for the Quad Series in Cape Town sees their continued rise to stardom.
The international series will feature South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. It takes place from 21 till 25 January. These top ranked teams in netball -Australia (1), New Zealand (2) and England (3). South Africa is ranked fifth. This will be the third time that South Africa hosts this event, and Cape Town will be doing so for the very first time.
Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa president said hosting the Quad Series will measure readiness for the upcoming Netball World Cup.
“It gives us an opportunity to gauge ourselves and figure out where we need to improve,” she said.
“The timing of the Quad Series could not be more perfect than this because we are now a few months away from the World Cup,” said Molokwane.
The versatile Pretorius makes her comeback to the senior team after not featuring for her country during 2022.
She last represented South Africa against Northern Ireland in 2021 and hopes to make an impact on her return. Pretorius will team-up with former University of the Free State peers Nkesa, Chawane and Mahloko.
They sharpened their skills and play during the Varsity Netball games last year.
