JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, CMC – Netball South Africa president Cecilia Molokwane said the national team will aspire to push Jamaica hard and surpass them in the world rankings when the two teams meet in a three-Test series in the New Year in Kingston.
South Africans are ranked fifth in the world and last faced the fourth-ranked Jamaicans during a tri-nations series involving Trinidad & Tobago two years ago in Kingston amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic challenges.
Molokwane said coordinating the schedule was challenging due to the Sunshine Girls’ busy agenda. Still, plans for the trip were well advanced, and the national team will be looking to secure an elevated standing in the sport.
“I can confirm … that we’ve recently inked a new contract with the Jamaican netball federation for a three test-match series in Jamaica,” she told SABC Sport. “It’s crucial for us to compete against a nation ranked higher than ours.
“Although we faced Jamaica during the challenging times of COVID-19, we must give them a formidable test. Playing against Jamaica holds greater significance than facing Australia, New Zealand, and England.
“This is primarily because Jamaica holds a higher position than us in the world rankings, and our strategic goal is to interchange positions with them. Triumphing over a team close boosts confidence, setting the stage for challenging encounters with others.”
In a recent series, South Africa had little success when they faced World No. 1 Australia and World No. 3 England, but Molokwane said the NSA would prepare the team well to ensure they meet their objectives.
“Rest assured, we’re geared up for the exciting challenge against Jamaica,” she said. “The remainder of the program for the year will be disclosed to the public…, but we’re taking a break to provide the players and everyone involved with an opportunity to rest.”
When the South Africans hosted the World Cup from July to August, the Jamaicans beat them 67-49, which will still be fresh in their minds.
The win was also sweet revenge for the Sunshine Girls, who were beaten 55-52 by the Proteas in the 2019 World Cup in England.
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