Amid the South African Rugby and Cricket world cup craze gripping SA fanatics this week, the country’s Netball team also joined the fun in an international test series.
South Africa’s Spar Proteas took on the world champions, Australia’s Diamonds in a thrilling face-off on Wednesday morning at the Cairns Convention Centre in Australia.
The Spar Proteas produced a great performance throughout the match, although they ultimately lost 62-43.
The match was the first of a three match test series which will continue in the next few days.
🇦🇺🆚🇿🇦
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) October 25, 2023
Played with all our heart, but not meant to be today.
Congratulations Rolene Streutker making a stunning debut. 👏
Thank you South Africa for 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 behind the SPAR Proteas. 🙏 We go again Sunday 07:00 (CAT) when the series moves to Hobart.#SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/OFNBiz45yR
This was Australia’s 13th consecutive win against the Proteas and their 14th win in 17 test matches played this season.
Speaking after the match, Proteas captain Bongiwe Msomi said the team always knew it was going to be a tough game.
“We knew it was going to be a tough one, but it’s only the first game and we got two more to go. We’re looking forward to building more onto this,” said Msomi.
She said she was extremely proud of the young teammates that joined the team in today’s test, and they are looking forward to the next games.
Back in action, let’s go! 🔥🏐@Netball_SA #WeAreAllIn #SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/hCFnme8E4J
— PUMA South Africa (@PUMASouthAfrica) October 25, 2023
South Africa’s Head, coach Norma Plummer said she was not disappointed at all.
“I know what we can do and the depth of it, it’s just that we did not have much time to prepare for this test,” said Plummer.
Plummer said the Spar Proteas haven’t played in a while and they would’ve done better had they played a few tests before going head-to-head with the world champions.
The Spar Proteas will be playing their second test against the Australia on Sunday the 29th of October in Hobart.
