After months of planning and preparation, Netball South Africa has finally confirmed the list of players who have been given contracts. This will be first time that the federation does something like this.
“Over the past three years I have been speaking about the need for and importance of turning the sport professional, this process, this moment right here is edging us closer to that goal. Rome was never built in a day so even here, we will not attain success overnight, this is a work in progress. I am glad we are here, and we are starting with twenty-four players for now,” said Netball South Africa President, Cecilia Molokwane.
The federation has confirmed that of the 24 players who are contracted to the national team (SPAR Proteas), only seven are playing abroad and the others are locally based and have been playing in the ongoing Telkom Netball League.
The contracts of the players commenced on the 1st of April 2022, and it is performance based. All players are on a training programme that is put together by the coaching personnel as well as Strength & Conditioning coach. All players are mandated to avail themselves for training camps and programmes set out for the team.
“We are making history with having these players as the first group of contracted players in South Africa, I believe we are on the right track and will make value progress towards turning Netball professional with a move like this. I am happy with the players selected and looking forward to continuing developing each individual to create depth in our national squad and to give them an opportunity at the big stage whenever they are at the appropriate level of readiness for international netball. As a country we have a wealth of talent and I am excited for the new players in the squad and I am happy with the familiar faces in the squad as they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the group, said Dorette Badenhorst, SPAR Proteas Head Coach.
THE LIST OF CONTRACTED PLAYERS IS AS FOLLOWS:
Khanyisa Chawane; Marlize de Bruin; Izette Griesel; Kamogelo Maseko; Tarle Mathe; Tshina Mdau; Nomfundo Mngomezulu; Bongiwe Msomi; Lungile Mthembu; Sesandile Ngubane; Refiloe Nketsa; Lenize Potgieter; Karla Pretorius; Lefébre Rademan; Monique Reyneke; Nicola Smith; Nicholé Taljaard; Elmeré van der Berg; Shadine van der Merwe; Jamie van Wyk; Ine-Marí Venter; Zanele Vimbela; Boitumelo Mahloko; Phumza Maweni
Molokwane concluded by saying “The door is not closed on anyone; we are always looking at other players who should be contracted and it is therefore important that we give everyone a fair chance to be part of the team. Doing so will require us to create equal opportunities for everyone and that will mean making sure that we level the playing field by ensuring that everyone gets the right resources, infrastructure, and coaching.
© Netball South Africa