THE Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) has continuously grown over the past years, with a wealth of international talent migrating to the competition to not only earn greater exposure, but also develop their skills within the United Kingdom’s premier netball competition. All 11 franchises boast at least one player from a country outside the UK, showcasing just what the competition has to offer.

Celtic Dragons

Lefébre Rademan (RSA)

A crafty goaler with accuracy and smarts to boot, Lefebre Rademan has jumped ship from the Pulse over the off-season to offer an exciting option in the Dragons attack. The South African goal attack is a smooth mover with plenty of creative flair and playmaking skill, able to both hold ground in the circle or rotate, and is able to quickly and consistently adapt to the play at hand.

Leeds Rhinos

Sigi Burger (RSA), Tuaine Keenan (NZL)

Another South African returning to the fray is goal shooter Sigi Burger, who has headed to her third VNSL club at Leeds and joins New Zealander Tuiane Keenan, who returns to the Rhinos for a second season. Burger offers a reliable strong target under the post and plenty of accuracy, while Keenan’s defensive prowess and great vision sees her win ball back with ease at the other end.

London Pulse

Tayla Honey (AUS), Sacha McDonald (AUS)

Pulse’s two incoming internationals both hail from Australia, and more intriguingly, both head to the Pulse from training partner positions with the Melbourne Vixens in search for greater game time. Tayla Honey is a versatile and strong midcourter, able to use her dynamic movement to play a key role through the centre, while Sacha McDonald is a smooth moving and mid-range goal attack who can play both a playmaking or primary role in the goal circle.

Loughborough Lightning

Mary Cholhok (UGA), Zanele Vimbela (RSA)

Returning from a knee injury which curtailed her 2021 season before it started, South African Zan Vimbela joins the Lightning ranks for 2022 from the Sirens. Boasting explosiveness and speed, Vimbela should provide an extra spark in the reigning premiers’ backline. Meanwhile, Uganda sharpshooter Mary Cholhok returns for another season with the Lightning, able to wreak havoc with her long reach and accuracy to post.

Manchester Thunder

Joyce Mvula (MAL), Shadine Van der Merwe (RSA)

One of the stars of the VNSL, Malawian goal shooter Joyce Mvula returns to the Thunder once again in 2022, with the talented goaler known for her aerial ability, great split, and most importantly, her accuracy to post. Meanwhile, Shadine Van der Merwe returns to the VNSL after a number of years in the Suncorp Super Netball and will offer a versatil defensive option to the Thunder with her ball-winning ways in wing and goal defence.

Saracens Mavericks

Ine-Mari Venter (RSA)

South African Ine-Mari Venter has shown a wealth of potential throughout her time in the VNSL, and will look to build on that once more in the upcoming season. Sh will almost certainly continue to build on her versatility, playing both goal attack and goal shooter, while her accuracy and willingness to turn and shoot is sure to pay off for the Mavs once more.

Severn Stars

Adi Bolakoro (FJI), Cat Tuivaiti (NZL), Liana Leota (NZL)

The Stars have bolstered their 2022 lineup with an international in each third of the court. Fijian defender Adi Bolakoro and New Zealand midcourter Liana Leota both return to the fray for another season, offering calm heads through defence and the centre, while another New Zealander in Cat Tuivaiti heads to the Stars from the Sirens with plenty of flair and excitement in her back pocket, offering impeccable footwork and crafty moves.

Strathclyde Sirens

Gia Abernethy (AUS), Towera Vinkhumbo (MAL)

The Sirens have retained two key internationals in a relatively changeless squad heading into 2022, with captain Gia Abernethy back in the midcourt and livewire Towera Vinkhumbo sure to set tongues wagging once again. Abernethy offers a calm and composed head in transition, while Vinkhumbo’s explosive ball-winning ways back in goal keeper contributed heavily to the Sirens’ success during 2021.

Surrey Storm

Leah Middleton (AUS), Peace Proscovia (UGA), Felisitus Kwangwa (ZWE)

Boasting three internationals for 2022, the Storm have two returnees in Leah Middleton and Felisitus Kwangwa, who will continue to share the defensive spotlight. Both defenders offer different strengths, with the payoff of having both on board greater than the risk of losing one despite not being able to play both at the same time per VNSL guidelines. Peace Proscovia returns to the VNSL fray after a couple years in the Suncorp Super Netball, bringing a strong strong hold and plenty of accuracy to the Storm front-line.

Team Bath

Kim Borger (AUS)

Initially hailing from Australia, Kim Borger is one of the well known Aussies in the competition having held a starting role at Team Bath for a number of years now. The only international within the current group – which is still awaiting a 15th member in defence – Borger plays a key role in the squad with her ability to turn and shoot and is a reliable and consistent performer inside the circle.

Wasps Netball

Gezelle Allison (JAM)

Jamaican Gezelle Allison is the lone international within the Wasps squad, and adds some real flair to the team. Entering her second season with the franchise, Allison will look to earn greater game time and further develop her individual impact on court. After showcasing plenty of development during her debut season, there is plenty more she can still offer to the Wasps in 2022.

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