CAPE TOWN – The foot won’t be taken off the pedal, this according to the Spar Proteas captain Bongiwe Msomi as they are set to face Sri Lanka on day two of the 2023 Netball World Cup.
South Africa opened their campaign on a high after a hard-fought win against Wales at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday.
The host played in front of a packed – sold-out CTICC, a venue that takes up to 5000 spectators where they defeated the Feathers 61-50.
Proteas will try to maintain the 100% winning record in their Pool C match.
Msomi has applauded her side’s ability to be able to execute well in front of their home crowd.
Day 2 of the @NetballWorldCup at CTICC in South Africa.
New Zealand 54-44 Uganda
Zimbabwe 48-52 Fiji #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/XkvzEPqwMZ— Ayanda Frances Felem (@AyandaFelemZA) July 29, 2023
“What we did against Wales was to stick to what we said we will do – execute perfectly without doubting ourselves and our ability to do that and hold on to that until the end. We played against a tough Wales side, and we knew taking an early lead will give us the upper hand we want,” said Msomi.
“We played and planned our game around our shooters, especially Ine-Marí Venter for one. We had to make sure all our balls were reaching her and she would do the rest and that worked for us.
“Once we win the ball we make sure as fast as we can we use it wisely. I am proud of our team, how we played and how united we are to make sure we go over the first one.”
Ine-Marí Venter was named player of the match.
Coming out of the packed home crowd, Msomi says that was an emotional moment for the team.
Msomi added: “We have played on the top stage before, this is my fourth World Cup, so coming out here seeing so many people – full venue – you do feel the pressure but it’s what we used to, it’s nothing new,” she said.
“Our opposition has to feel the pressure not us, remember we are at home in front of our fans, families and leaders which is giving us so much boost.”
Ranked 15th on the world rankings, Sri Lanka is participating in their eleventh netball world cup since their first world cup in 1963.
Their opener against Jamaica wasn’t what the South Asia side expected after they were demolished 105-25.
Msomi believes nothing will change in the team against Sri Lanka.
Msomi added: “We need to up our game against Sri Lanka, we need to play well and maintain our 100% winning record,” she said.
“We treat every team the same, we will come out and continue where we left off against Wales.
“And everyone in the team had the same goal and same vision, we knew what we were expecting.”
Day 2 Schedule:
Results:
Zimbabwe 48-52 Fiji
New Zealand 54-44
Jamaica 75-40 Wales
Australia 85-38 Tonga
Fixtures:
South Africa vs Sri Lanka – 16:00
Scotland vs Barbados – 16:00
England vs Malawi – 18:00
Trinidad & Tobago vs Singapore – 18:00
Image: Netball World Cup.
