South Africa's Proteas were eliminated from the top 3 in this year’s Fast5 Netball World Series, which took place in Christchurch, New Zealand over the weekend.
South Africa finished second last year and wanted to ensure that they don’t lose that position for anything but a gold medal, however, they finished fourth.
Fast5 Netball World Series – Day 1
The tournament kicked off on a high when South Africa took on current FAST5 champions Australia in what was last year’s final match of the tournament.
South Africa gave their best however rued missed opportunities and conversions by Australia during power play intervals was the difference maker as Australia clinched the match and ultimately won.
𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) November 11, 2023
🇦🇺🆚🇿🇦
A stellar beginning to a promising journey for our SA FAST5 Men at the FAST5 Netball World Series! 🌟#SAFast5 | #Fast5NetballWorldSeries | #FAST5NWS
📸 @mbphotonz pic.twitter.com/4tJPgaRLKK
The South African Males team made their debut at this year’s event, surprising everyone by leading for three consecutive quarters, however they let their guard down in the last quarter and ultimately lost lose 50-39 to Australia at the end.
GA Shane Labuschagne won player of the match, following a gutsy performance against Australia.
The day ended on a high when South Africa faced off against Jamaica in their final match of the day., ultimately winning 33-17 and securing another player of the match accolade.
Fast5 Netball World Series – Day 2
Day 2 of the series started out vibrantly when the South African women’s team took on New Zealand in the opening match of the day.
They took control of the first quarter with some great defending and accurate shooting, resulting in a 11-6 lead after just 6 minutes of play.
Recapping the 2023 FAST5 Netball World Series
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) November 13, 2023
👉 Shane Labuschagne 🇿🇦 Fans' Player of the Series
👉 Australia 🇦🇺 Women win second title
👉 Paige Reed 🏴 Player of the Series
👉 New Zealand 🇳🇿 Men win second title#SAFast5 | #Fast5NetballWorldSeries | #FAST5NWS
📸 @mbphotonz pic.twitter.com/USdv9jlW03
Things took an unexpected turn after the break when New Zealand came back guns blazing, taking the match 41 -33 at the end.
The men’s SA team also put up a fight against the New Zealand team but ultimately lost 31-38.
Speaking at the end of the game, Captain of the SA team Jeanie Steyn said the team came with the aim to be in the final however this was not their year.
“We knew it was going to be tough. We have a lot of new players, and this was a good run for them, but I also feel like we could’ve done better especially in the last match against England. We had it in our hands, but we made silly mistakes when it was crucial. We going to keep our heads high, top 4 is not bad and next year we’re going to come back stronger.” Said Steyn.
SA FAST5 Women’s Head Coach, Martha Mosoahle-Samm said she was very proud of the girls.
“I think they did really well. At the end of the day its not just about the results but also the performance.” said Mosoahle-Samm.
