KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Fresh off their series win against England, Jamaica’s netballers are focused on more glory when they face South Africa in their upcoming three-match series.
The third-ranked Sunshine Girls will play the fifth-ranked South Africans on January 18, 22, and 25 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew.
Their 2-1 victory over England propelled them to third in the world rankings. With more points at stake against South Africa, goal shooter Shanice Beckford said the Sunshine Girls would be going all out to secure the win.
Additionally, she said the series would serve as critical preparation for the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
“The South Africa series is essential for us in terms of getting some match play under our belts and knowing that we just came off a series victory over England in November.
“It is also important for us leading up to the World Championships and Commonwealth Games in 2026 and 2027 and also to give our young players some much-needed exposure,” Beckford pointed out.
“We are taking this series very seriously because it is a ranking series, and you know we just moved up to third in the rankings.”
Beckford said that while they had not played South Africa recently, she had expected a tough challenge from the visitors.
“We know that the South Africans will be coming very strong, and so I know that the series will be tough for us, but I can assure you that we are ready for the battle.
“We haven’t played against them in a very long time, and so we are looking forward to this three-Test series, and I know it will be very exciting,” Beckford said.
“The girls have been training and in the gym putting in the hard work over Christmas, getting the combinations right, and so we are all very excited and can’t wait to step out onto the court for this series.”