Home Team's Resilient Victory
After a challenging loss to Jamaica the previous night, South Africa’s netball team demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing a convincing 69-28 win against Trinidad and Tobago. With the home crowd rallying behind them, the Proteas delivered a powerful performance, setting their sights on a strong run in the Netball World Cup 2023.
The victory over Trinidad and Tobago came as a much-needed boost for South Africa after facing a setback with the loss to Jamaica. Moreover, their star goal shooter, Lenize Potgieter, had to be ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Potgieter’s absence presented an opportunity for reserve player Sesandile Owethu Ngubane to step up and prove her mettle on the international stage.
A Commanding Lead
In the first quarter, South Africa led 18-12, showing promise but also areas for improvement. However, as the match progressed, South Africa’s defense came alive, effectively shutting down Trinidad and Tobago’s scoring opportunities. Limiting the opposition to only a maximum 7 goals per quarter in the remaining three quarters, the defense relieved pressure from the Proteas’ offense, which responded with impressive scoring of 15, 18, and 18 goals in each respective quarter. The dominance displayed by South Africa led to a resounding victory of 51-16 in the last three quarters combined.
The match’s MVP, Nichole Taljaard, proved her versatility by flawlessly transitioning from goal attack to goal shooter in the third quarter. This tactical switch further strengthened South Africa’s attacking prowess. At the same time, Elmeré van der Berg’s exceptional performance as goal attack added to the team’s offensive capabilities.
Earning her second cap for South Africa, Sesandile Owethu Ngubane made her mark in the crucial final moments of the game. Her impressive goal in the dying seconds added to the Proteas’ lead and demonstrated her potential as a valuable asset to the team.
🇿🇦🆚🇹🇹 Well done Nichole Taljaard our 𝗠𝗩𝗣! On goal attack and shooter against TnT today ! 🙌🔥#SPARProteas | #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/eW0zW0b3JR
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 31, 2023
Tough Test Ahead
South Africa faces a formidable challenge next as they go head-to-head against defending champions and current world number 2, New Zealand, on Wednesday. To ensure victory against the silver ferns, the Proteas must elevate their goal shooting success rate, which was at 82% against Trinidad and Tebago. Matching New Zealand’s remarkable 95% shot accuracy will be key to securing a win.
Assistant coach Dumisani Chauke acknowledged the impact of losing Potgieter but expressed confidence in the team’s depth and capabilities. Despite the setback, the players have been extensively trained together during intense training camps leading up to the World Cup, ensuring a seamless transition for Ngubane.
As of now, in Group G standings, New Zealand stands at the top with a perfect record of 3 wins from 3 games, tying with Jamaica on the same number of wins. However, New Zealand secures the lead due to their superior goal difference. Meanwhile, South Africa holds a respectable 3rd position with 2 wins and 1 loss to their name.
Trinidad & Tobago’s captain, Shaquanda Greene-Noel, remained positive despite the loss, acknowledging the team’s errors and ill-discipline. Determined to bounce back, the squad remains focused on their upcoming matches, striving to deliver their best performances.
Scores
– Q1: 18-12
– Q2: 33-15 (15-3)
– Q3: 51-21 (18-6)
– Q4: 69-28 (18-7)
🇿🇦🆚🇹🇹
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 31, 2023
Back with a 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚! 🔥 The SPAR Proteas with a solid 𝗪 in their first 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 2⃣ match! 💪#SPARProteas | #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/EGgSGtlhSA
Proteas magic 🪄
— World Netball (@WorldNetball_) July 31, 2023
South Africa beat Trinidad & Tobago 69-28 to conclude the action here in Cape Town today 🇿🇦#NWC2023 | #PutYourHandsUp pic.twitter.com/0t9taHgv8z
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