HONOUR: Netball World Cup tropy tour takes a turn among the Khoikhoi and San who are believed to be among the oldest cultures in the world

By Sports Reporter

With less than a month to go to the Vitality Netball World Cup (VNWC2023) in Cape Town, the official Trophy Tour reached a particularly significant point this week.

Having travelled across the country over the last month, the famed trophy crossed from the Eastern to Western Cape provinces of South Africa – the Western Cape being its final destination before being handed to the VNWC2023 champions when they are crowned on August 6.

Even more significant was that the handover took place at the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village – so honouring the indigenous inhabitants of South Africa. The Khoikhoi and San are believed to be among the oldest cultures in the world.

Apart from its pristine beaches, the Tsitsikamma area is well-known for its enticing tourist attractions, including one of the highest bungee jumps in the world at the majestic Bloukrans Bridge, and the Tsitstikamma Canopy Tours through Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old.

After a special celebration in Kareedouw with dignitaries, cultural groups and performances by local entertainers on Monday, the NWC trophy was taken to the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village where Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nonceba Kontsiwe officially completed the handover to Anroux Marais, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport.

“The Western Cape Government is very happy and honoured to receive this trophy and to embark on a tour across our province to get all communities excited for the Netball World Cup,” said Marais.

“Cape Town is ready and looking forward to hosting the Netball World Cup for the very first time on African soil.

“Although all the matches are being played in Cape Town itself, we want to include the whole province in the build-up and actual tournament and so we are very happy that various municipalities have partnered with us to host fan zones and viewing centres. “These will ensure that people across the province can watch the live matches for free at a venue close to their homes.

“During this trophy tour, we will also encourage people to watch the matches at these venues so that we can make sure that no-one is left out in supporting our home team,” added Marais.

The VNWC2023 takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 28 th July to 6 August 2023, with 16 teams from across the globe all vying for top honours.

Details on tickets and travel packages and more information are all available on the official tournament website (www.nwc2023.org.za) with a range of tickets and packages still available.

AIN’T NO GOING DOWN UNDER FOR AUSSIES

DEFENDING CHAMPS: The Diamonds dominated winning all their matches and emerging with a seventh title in the Netball Quad Series in Cape Town early this year

By Sports Reporter

“Fast, dynamic and relentless.” That’s how coach Stacey Marinkovich describes the current Australian netball side’s style of play. It’s an ominous prospect for the teams taking on the Aussie Diamonds at the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 which gets under way in Cape Town in less than a month.

Ranked number one in the world, the Australians head into the 28 July to 6 August tournament among the favourites for the title. But they still know they have to be on top of their game to regain the title they last held in 2015, having lost by just one goal to New Zealand in the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 final. Since then, they’ve gone on to claim Commonwealth Games gold in 2022, but not before losing a group game to Jamaica.

“Australia is a proud netball nation. We know we are going to have to play at our very best at the Netball World Cup,” said Marinkovich, who took over the reins as Australia’s coach in 2020. “The Australian team is constantly striving to improve and challenge against the best teams in the world.

“Our connection both on and off the court is our strength, and we have a real understanding of what we are trying to achieve together,” she added.

Marinkovich said team preparations are on track and her side are feeling confident. “We’ve had a really targeted approach as we build towards the Netball World Cup. We’re really pleased with how the squad is coming together, and making sure our time together is purposeful.” While heading into the tournament as 11-time champions comes with certain pressures, Marinkovich believes that’s all just part of the team culture.

“When you’re part of the Diamonds programme, you inherit a successful history. This group of players is really focused on how they can contribute to the Diamonds’ legacy and looks forward to the challenge of taking on the world’s best in Cape Town,” she said.

The last time the Australian netball side were in Cape Town was at the beginning of this year for the 2023 Netball Quad Series which also featured New Zealand, England and South Africa. They dominated that tournament, winning all their matches and emerging with a seventh title. “The Netball Quad Series in January was incredibly important, both from a performance and travel perspective,” explained Marinkovich.

“We were able to familiarise ourselves with the environment and the courts, and continue our build to Cape Town.” As for returning to the continent for a first ever Netball World Cup on African soil, Marinkovich reckoned: “It is exciting for the people of Africa, to be able to host and watch the world’s best netballers. “It provides a great opportunity to showcase the sport in Africa, and we are really excited to experience the magic of Cape Town again this year.

“Netball has a growing reach, and I hope the Netball World Cup will inspire the next generation of netballers in Africa and globally.” Australia will kick off their campaign with their first Pool A game against Zimbabwe on July 28 before facing Tonga on July 29 and Fiji the following day.