Proteas World Cup debutants shine

A global competition like the Netball World Cup gives a platform for players to represent their countries but this also gives players a chance to market themselves to teams from around the world. Many players have used this competition to springboard their careers to greater heights.

Spar Proteas coach, Norma Plummer announced seven debutants in her 15-player squad for the competition. Four of these players took to the court and showed up like they had played in the global competition before.

Ine-Marí Venter

The goal shooter’s first experienced a global senior level competition at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. Venter had travelled with the team as a reserve and replaced an injured Lenize Potgieter in the tournament. Her prowess in the South African offensive circle was incredible and she drew the attention of the Melbourne Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis. She also played in the colours of Queensland Firebirds, she was in the colours of Saracens Mavericks.

The former Gauteng Jaguars star made her World Cup debut against Wales. Her performance in the shooting circle saw the hosting team secure a win for their opening match of the competition. She managed to get a 91 per cent shooting average in the match, making three rebounds and four turnovers. The performance easily secured her the Player of the Match award.

"I wasn't tearing up, I was crying. It was special. I've been looking forward to this for four years. When we were singing the national anthem, I felt pride. The tears came flooding and, luckily, it didn't affect anything on the court. I was able to pull focus. This World Cup means a lot to me because I missed out on the previous one due to injury. I'm still taking everything in, it's incredible for me," she says.

Elmerè van der Berg

Although van der Berg struggled a bit to find her feet in the opening match of the World Cup, she should be proud of her effort in the offensive circle. She made her debut in the green and gold at the 2021 Africa Cup held in Windhoek, Namibia against Zimbabwe. She was one of three new caps for South Africa in the game.

Her big international tournament debut was the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. She played in their opening match against Jamaica which they lost 68-49. Although that competition didn’t pan out well for South Africa, van der Berg showed up during the Africa Netball World Cup qualifiers in Pretoria. She earned herself the Best Shooter award at the tournament.

“It’s been a huge honour and privilege to be able to step out on the court and play the game. I enjoyed it so much. I am just glad to be back (after injury). I was a bit nervous but after the first quarter I calmed down and now I am ready for the rest of the World Cup. It

was tough, emotionally because you want to step out on the court. You want to be able to be ready for the World Cup and play in all the trials for the World Cup. But I am glad I am back now, playing my best game,” she says.

Jeante Strydom

In just her second match, the wing defence took the Player of the Match accolade. This is an indication of the impactful player that Strydom is.

She played for South Africa in the Fast5 World Series in November last year. During the Proteas tour in Australia early in the year, Collingwood coach, Nicole Richardson was one of the people that heaped praises on the goal defence. Strydom earned herself an overseas contract with the exploits she showed during this competition. She will now be competing in New Zealand for Southern Steel in the ANZ Premiership in 2024.

“This is the best feeling in the whole world. I am sitting here with legends of the game who are in their hundreds and me on my second cap get to win player of the match. I couldn’t have asked for a better start. I am truly blessed to be here at this moment,” she says

Nichole Taljaard

The goal shooter and goal attack started representing the country in her teens but got her senior cap when the team toured Wales for a test series just before the start of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Senior goal shooter, Potgieter had to withdraw and this was an opportunity for Taljaard to play.

Taljaard will be hoping to add another medal in the green and gold. She was part of the South African side that finished on the podium at the Fast5 World Series in 2022.

“The Netball World Cup debut was really amazing, there are no words to describe the feeling. Just standing and singing the national anthem and taking everything around it was really an amazing feeling and I don’t think I will ever understand the experience I have been given. I will never be able to fathom how amazing and big how this opportunity has been put in front of me. It’s great. Whenever I get here and I can see the crowd and the lights, it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life,” says Taljaard.