WITH the Nations Cup set to commence on Sunday we take a look at how each team is faring up heading into the first international tournament of 2020. It is the inaugural time this competition will take place with England, South Africa, Jamaica and New Zealand all set to do battle in hope to claim the Nations Cup. The Spar Proteas come into the competition with arguably the strongest line-up of the competing nations but under the reigns of a new coach.

Overview:

The Spar Proteas have a stacked line-up filled with a plethora of game changers across the court especially in defence. With the fellow countries lacking experience expect the Proteas to look for the kill and make the most of their opportunities given their experienced and well-oiled 12 person squad. South Africa’s strength lay in the attack and defence end with each player able to come on and have an influence with the likes of Lenize Potgieter a sure shot under the post and Karla Pretorius an intercept queen. Therefore, the only real area of concern for South Africa lies in the midcourt which is known to leak turnovers at times an area they will want to address throughout the Nations Cup if they are to take out the title.

Who’s missing?

While there are not a host of players missing the resignation of former coach, Norma Plummer could play a part in their performance. Plummer was a shining light for the developing South African side who in recent years have shown that they can quite easily mix it with the best thanks to her guidance and netball smarts. The retirement of Erin Burger will leave a lasting impact on the Spar Proteas, with South Africa often able to rely on the talented and durable centre to put in the hard yards and ply her trade up and down the court. Goal attacks Renske Stoltz and Maryka Holtzhausen both were not selected for the upcoming Nations Cup. Both shooters offer variety and experience in the circle able to take the load off their shooting partner and with three out of the four shooters selected typical goal shooters could be sorely missed.

Players to watch:

Zanele Vimbela often flies under the radar overshadowed by the defensive prowess of fellow defenders Pretorius and Phumza Maweni. Although she is light in stature Vimbela can stand her own down in the defensive third, able to pick off loose passes and interfere in the oppositions attacking forays. It is hard to not include the likes of Pretorius with the talented defender skilful enough to win a game off her own back. She can do the unthinkable and can sense the exact moment to stand up and create something special making her an excitement machine. Another exciting prospect for the Spar Proteas is Ine-Mari Venter with the new Queensland Firebirds member able to have an impact both in goal shooter and goal attack. She is a smooth mover across the court able to sweep into the circle and use her timing to have an impact in the attacking third. Venter can change up her game style with ease turning from a holding shooter to a moving goaler depending on what is required. While Venter has plenty to prove so too does Sigi Burger, with the towering goal shooter renowned for her proficiency under the post and commanding presence. She is a good get out of jail card often able to throw a hail Mary and know she will gather.  Through the midcourt Izette Griesel has developed at a rate of knots credit to her strong drives and clever movement to create space across the court.

New additions:

The Spar Proteas have opted for a relatively consistent line-up only making one or two changes in comparison to their World Cup squad and test series side against England. The likes of shooter Lefébre Rademan is an exciting prospect with the goal attack not afraid to take the hard drive and use her footwork to weasel her way into tight spaces. Rademan can shoot from distance and plays a nice support role often helping to feed the ball into the goal shooter. Meanwhile the likes of Romé Dreyer through the midcourt is another interesting option for South Africa with the wing attack or centre able to run amuck with her change of pace and clever ball placement.

Team list:
Ine-Marí Venter, Lenize Potgieter, Lefébre Rademan, Sigi Burger, Bongi Msomi, Izette Griesel, Romé Dreyer, Khanyisa Chawane, Phumza Maweni, Shadine van der Merwe, Zanele Vimbela, Karla Pretorius.