The Netball World Cup is around the corner and the big teams will be looking to continue their dominance in the competition.
However some teams will be hoping to improve and gain more knowledge and skill as they take to the court. There may be some favourites in the different pools but the underdogs are also looking to make a name for themselves.
GROUP C
Jamaica
Jamaica has taken part in all the Netball World Cup editions since its inception in 1963. Although they are one of the strongest nations in the sport, they are yet to win the competition. The Sunshine Girls’ highest finish in the tournament is third place, which they have achieved on as many occasions. Their worst finish was the sixth place in the 1967 edition which was held in Australia. The Caribbean side will be hoping to better their placing from the last edition in which they in fifth place.
Coach: Connie Francis
Following a successful showing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games that ended in a silver medal, Connie Francis will be hoping to guide the team to the top of the podium in Cape Town. Francis was roped into the team in 2019 following a disappointing appearance by Jamaica in Liverpool. This is not her first spell with the team, she had last coached the Sunshine Girls in 2011.
The experienced Francis guided Jamaica to the bronze medal position at the 2007 edition of the World Cup and second at the inaugural Fast5 World Series in England in 2009.
South Africa
South Africa is hosting the World Cup for the first time in history this year, this is also the first time the competition is held in the continent of Africa. The Spar Proteas will be playing in their 10th World Cup, their best finish was a second place position in 1995 after the team returned to international sport.
The team came close to a podium finish in 2019 in Liverpool where they finished fourth, the first time playing in the semis since the silver medal in England. The Proteas will be hoping home ground will work to their advantage in the hope of getting yet another medal.
Coach: Norma Plummer
Norma Plummer is enjoying her second stint with the senior South African team. In her first spell with the side, she guided the fifth ranked country to a top four finish, the first time in 25 years.
The former Australian Diamond has won the World Cup titles as both a player and a coach in her native country. She was the Australian coach between 2004 and 2011, where she won the Netball World Cup titles in 2007 and 2011.
Wales
Wales will be taking part in their 14 Netball World Cup. The Welsh Feathers highest finish to date is sixth, which they have reached twice.
Wales qualified for the Netball World Cup 2023 due to finishing the Netball World Cup Qualifiers – Europe unbeaten, in 1st place.
Coach: Emily Handyside
Emily Handyside will be leading the Welsh Feathers to the World Cup for the first time after her appointment in January. She was first appointed as Technical Coach in September 2022 and helped the Feathers qualify for Cape Town. Her extensive coaching career spans from Superleague sides Team Bath and Leeds Rhinos but she has also been the England Under-21 head coach, where she led the squad to a bronze medal at the 2017 World Youth Cup as well as being assistant coach for the England Futures, achieving a Fast5 gold medal.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will be playing in their 11th Netball World Cup. Their best finish was in their debut 1963 where they finished in nineth place. The Lionesses finished 15th at the last held in Liverpool.
Sri Lanka qualified for the Netball World Cup 2023, after they finished the Netball World Cup Qualifiers – Asia unbeaten.
Coach: Thilaka Jinadasa
Thilaka Jinadasa was reappointed as the head coach of the Lionesses early this year. She had previously resigned from the post in 2020. Jinadasa has coached Sri Lanka to two Asian Netball titles, in 2009 and 2018. She also headed the Brunei national side between 2011 and 2018.