SPAR Proteas Nketsa and Van der Berg partner with Puma

Ahead of the 2023 Netball World Cup tournament, two SPAR Proteas stars Refiloe Nketsa and Elmeré van der Berg have partnered with sports giant, Puma.

The German-based sports manufacturer, Puma has joined forces with the duo, Nketsa, and van der Berg as part of its commitment to supporting and empowering women in sport.

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Having been included in the final squad announced by SPAR Proteas coach Norma Plummer this week, van der Berg and Nketsa join fellow national teammates in skipper Bongi Msomi, Khanyisa Chawane, and Shadine van der Merwe who are part of the Puma family.

The five netball stars are key players in the national team which will compete for glory in the Vitality Netball World Cup in Cape Town next month.

SPAR PROTEAS STAR VAN DER BERG TALKS THE WORLD CUP

The two players are key members of the national side as they will hope to make the country proud at the global tournament that will be staged in Cape Town.

Van der Berg, 22, spoke about the upcoming showpiece, saying the fact the African continent has never organised it makes it more special.

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“The NWC has never been on the African continent and now it is in South Africa. My home country. I will be able to play in front of my family and friends – what a great opportunity,” she said in a media release from Splash PR.

“We have a goal and are committed to giving our best. Our coaches believe in us and bring out the best in every player. The key to World Cup success is faith, commitment, unity, endurance, and giving it your all.”

Looking at her proudest achievements, van der Berg who plays as a goal attack and shooter, said reaching the semi-final in the Varsity Cup against Kovsies stands out for her.

“That is one of my favourites. That was such a close game. I am also very grateful to have been named Player of the Tournament. Another favourite victory was winning the African Cup in 2021,” she added.

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“My father who was a professional rugby player and my mom who played netball were both always there to motivate and encourage me. I started playing netball in Grade 1 and in high school, several opportunities crossed my path which motivated me to work harder and better myself.”

NKETSA IS DELIGHTED TO BE PART OF THE WORLD CUP SQUAD

Nketsa is part of the reserves that will be campaigning to bring glory to Mzansi and she cannot wait to get the tournament underway.

The 22-year-old is banking on the strength of Plummer’s side singling out the diversity of the team.

“The diversity and cultural differences we have in the team, and the fact that we take pride in our unity,” she said.

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“Trusting in each other and our preparation and my biggest achievement in the game is making the World Cup squad of 15. It serves as proof that all the hard work I have been putting in is recognised by my coaches, who see me as deserving of representing my country on such a huge stage.”

Playing as a defender, Nketsa says thriving under pressure is what she enjoys the most in her role and reveals that attracted her to Puma.

“The opportunity to think a bit more under pressure and to outsmart and outplay my opponent. My attacking skills: how I plan my attacking play against strong opposition,” she added.

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“I like Puma because it is so beautiful and unique. I love the diversity and detail that went into designing what we as South Africans portray to the world.”

Meanwhile, van der Berg and Nketsa will hoist the South African flag at the tournament that will be staged in Cape Town from July 28 to August 6.

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