African Netball takes a leap into the future
The 2024 netball season is in full swing all over the world and Africa has once again shown its undeniable talent on the biggest stages on the globe. In the pinnacle event of the sports, the 2023 Netball World Cup saw Malawi taking it to Australia for the first half of their group stage match, South Africa’s iconic draw against New Zealand and Uganda’s highest finish at a World Cup. While exciting this might be, it seems the African nations can not break into the top 4 spots globally. There has been a lot of speculation as to why this is, narrowing down to a lack of resources and funding, and one can only hope that the tide is changing.
Malawi fans supporting their team at the 2023 Netball World Cup. Image – Danny Dalton
This has not stopped the continent from cultivating a new horizon, with three countries in the top 10 worldwide. An exemplary example of this shift is the announcement of Jenny van Dyk as the new Spar Proteas Head Coach. The local netball hero has previously coached her domestic side to 5 consecutive victories in the domestic league, coached the baby Protea’s and had a stint with the Botswana national team. She has been given the baton from coaching legend Norma Plummer to lead the Proteas into the future. Alongside her sit previous SPAR Protea Captain and Varsity Cup winning Coach, Zanele Mdodana (Assistant Coach). After multiple domestic victories as a coach, Mdodana was sent to Saudi Arabia to help develop the sport in the Middle East by NSA. The placement has been received with warm hearts by the nation, as excitement builds to see what the future holds for this homegrown pair.
Norma Plummer has stepped down from her role as Head Coach of the Proteas. Image: Skhu Nkomphela
In 2024 so far we have witnessed some excellent up and coming talent identified across the top leagues in the world. This includes the likes of the Ugandan Goal Keeper Haniisha Mohamed who plays for Surrey Storm in England, and is currently placed 5th for gains in the NSL. South African youngsters are playing in various leagues overseas, including athletes such as Shadine van der Merwe, Jeante Strydom, Nichole Taljaard, Khanyisa Chawane, Owethu Ngubane, Elmere Van der Berg, Rolene Streutker and Nicola Smith.
Shadine Van der Merwe – who currently plays for Manchester Thunder – had a stint with the Thunderbirds. Image Simon Leonard
In England’s Netball Super League, seven of the top ten shooters by volume come from the African continent, including Mary Cholhok (1), Sigi Burger (2), Joyce Mvula (3), Proscovia Peace-Nwokocha (5), Van der Berg (6), Ine-Mari Venter (7) and Sammy Ngubane (8). More and more talent is being given the opportunity to play some of the best players from around the world, week in and week out, gaining valuable exposure they are able to take back to their individual countries.
Mary Cholhok, featured at the 2023 Netball World Cup, is currently ranked as the highest goal scorer in Englands Netball Super League. Image: Danny Dalton | Tah Dah Sports
We have said goodbye to some iconic figures in the sport from the continent, including Takundwa Lwazi, Phumza Maweni and Bongi Msomi, who have all retired from international netball. And while we look forward to the unearthing of talent for Africa, this will need continuous support and investment from all stakeholders to ensure that eventually Africa is able to have their own professional league and start competing for the top 4 sports.
Bongi Msomi (South Africa). Image: Marcela Massey
Phumza Maweni, alongside teammates Shadine van der Merwe, Khanyisa Chawane and Nichole Taljaard, wave to fans after a win over Tonga.
Image – Danny Dalton | Tah Dah Sports
Takondwa Lwazi (Malawi). Image Danny Dalton
There has been whispers that in 2025 South Africa will host the first ever professional league on the continent. This is exactly what is needed to get netball in Africa on the map. Hopefully we will see lots of upcoming talent from the continent and places like the Caribbean that also houses a lot of talent participate competitively. As the new four year cycle to Sydney 2027 moves ahead, netball is changing rapidly in terms of rules, resources, opportunities and investments. One can not help but wonder what lays ahead for netball on the continent?
