THE 2019 Netball World Cup sees 16 countries head to Liverpool, England, with 60 matches played over the 10-day period between July 12-21. Countries have been split into four pools, playing a round robin in that pool before going further depending on their respective success.

South Africa have perhaps one of the most intriguing lineups heading into the 2019 Netball World Cup, with a number of big names hitting the spotlight in recent years for what has the capacity to be the best SPAR Proteas squad yet. Coach, Norma Plummer has taken the side above and beyond in recent years, curating the side’s natural talent and creating a hunger to go one better with every match they play. South Africa have possibly the most difficult lineup of the top five countries as they are in Pool C, taking on Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Fiji in the opening matches before potentially proceeding forward in the competition.

With a number of big names coming out of South Africa in recent years, the Proteas will be a force to be reckoned with given the talent across the board. Eight of the side’s 12 players currently play in international leagues in England and Australia, proving the potential of this lineup. Captain, Bongi Msomi is sure to be the starting wing attack, courtesy of her stellar feeding ability and speed to find space in the goal third. Joining Msomi in the midcourt are fellow likely starters, Shadine Van Der Merwe and Erin Burger, followed by Izette Griesel and Khanyisa Chawane.

Defensively, the exciting defensive duo of Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni has only grown in recent months, with the pair playing together in the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia’s premier netball league, Suncorp Super Netball. Pretorius and Maweni have proved they are one of the best defensive duos in the world currently, with an unwavering ability to generate turnovers and find the loose ball. Zanele Vimbela is the third defender in the squad, able to join the play and have an impact from the get-go credit to her agility and hands over pressure. A small hole in the Proteas’ line-up is the lack of a fourth circle defender, meaning in the case of emergency Van Der Merwe would likely move down court to circle defence rather than through the midcourt.

Likely starters in goals for South Africa are Lenize Potgieter and Maryka Holtzhausen, who have an uncanny ability to find the post credit to their footwork and speed with the ball. Potgieter’s quick, nontraditional low-release shot can be a big threat if not defended, while Holtzhausen provides a great backup in the rotating circle. Joining them is Sigi Burger, a goal shooter, proving her versatility with ball in hand, while Renske Stoltz provides a shorter, more agile option inside the circle with an impeccable long-range shot.