Netball World Cup 2023 trophy begins journey to SA – PHOTOS

SAPeople was invited to the SA High Commission in London to witness the official handover of the Netball World Cup trophy to the SA organisational team on Tuesday, 23 May.

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For the first time ever, South Africa will be hosting the Netball World Cup with the tournament to be held from Friday, 28 July to Sunday, 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Tuesday evening saw the symbolic and physical handover of the Netball World Cup trophy at the SA High Commission in London.

A delegation, led by CEO of Netball SA, Blanche De La Guerre and Netball SA president, Cecilia Molokwane, flew to the UK to receive the cup.

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The unique trophy, depicting a ball as it sinks into the net, was handed over by Liz Nicholl, CBE, President of World Netball.

Nicholl is a former international netball player and championship director of the 1995 World Championships.

“Although the Netball World Cup doesn’t start until 28 July, the preparations are well under way in South Africa,” said Nicholl.

“We are very happy to see the whole nation get behind the event and I am sure this support will grow significantly as this trophy heads off to SA to start a six week tour, arriving on Africa Day, which aligns the games with the whole of Africa.”

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The tournament is only 65 days away, and when one remembers the unifying power of previous rugby, cricket and football world cups, the tournament offers a really exciting prospect.

It has the potential to not only increase the popularity of the game across Africa, but also become a shining example of the draw and potential of women’s sport globally.

As Cecilia Molokwane said as she triumphantly received the trophy: “I always say that if you want something done, then give it to a woman, it will be done! As you can see today, with the leaders of this association across the board being women, this is a triumphant moment of empowerment not just for South African women but around the world.”

Molokwane then hugged the trophy to her chest and (half-jokingly) said: “Just be aware, this will be staying in South Africa, mark my words, we will win!”

The SA High Commissioner in London, Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, echoed the congratulations and wished the SA team luck and good fortune, insisting that they win it for all the people in South Africa.

Team hopeful Ine-Mari Venter also took part in the event, and at 1.92m presents an imposing figure and undoubtedly a formidable opponent against rivals on the court. 

DATES FOR THE TROPHY TOUR AROUND SOUTH AFRICA:

15-29 May: KwaZulu-Natal

30 May – 3 June: Gauteng

4-8 June: Mpumalanga

9-13 June: Limpopo

14-18 June: Free State

19-23 June: North West

24-28 June: Northern Cape

29 June – 3 July: Eastern Cape

4-12 July: Western Cape

PROTEAS SQUAD FOR 2023 NETBALL WORLD CUP

Bongiwe Msomi (captain), Karla Pretorius (vice-captain), Khanyisa Chawane, Izette Griesel, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Phumza Maweni, Lenize Potgieter, Lefebre Rademan, Nicola Smith, Jeante Strydom, Nichole Taljaard, Elmere van der Berg, Shadine van der Merwe, Ine-Mari Venter.

The SAPeople website will be covering the tournament every step of the way. Be sure to log on for information, behind the scenes stories, results and all the excitement!