Netball South Africa (NSA) president Mami Diale said the series offers a vital opportunity for the team to climb the global rankings, with England regarded as one of the world’s elite teams. England are ranked fourth, while African champions South Africa are one place lower in fifth. Diale said England’s position is well earned.
They are one of the best netball nations,” Diale said. Using a boxing analogy, she added: “Playing England is like jabbing one-on-one against one of the best boxers in the ring. The Roses are not just in the top four in the world, but among the finest netball players.
It will be a great achievement if we can beat them.” Diale said the Proteas are fully fit and well prepared for the challenge. “We are ready to welcome them to our country and we are going to be good hosts. “The event will be top class between two of the best countries.
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We are ready for them — not to be pushed around, but to give them a good run for their money,” the NSA head said. The Proteas squad appear well balanced and star-studded, with several experienced and in-form players in the mix. These include Khanyisa Chawane, Kamogelo Maseko, Nozipho Ntshangase, Nicola Smith, Elmeré van der Berg, Ané Retief, Nicholé Breedt, Rolene Streutker, Shadine van der Merwe and Sigrid Burger. The series follows South Africa’s tours of England and Australia last year and marks a major home assignment in a season that has already seen the Proteas qualify for the Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July and August in Glasgow, Scotland.
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