The Netball World Cup is edging closer, with teams worldwide competing for the coveted title. It is a historical moment, as it is the first time that the Netball World Cup will be held in Africa. Africa has four teams- South Africa, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe- eager to grab their spot in the final and claim glory.

 

South Africa

 

South Africa finished 4th in the last Netball World Cup (Liverpool, 2019). As hosts and ranked 5th, they qualified for the Netball World Cup 2023. They will face Wales on July 28 after the Opening Ceremony.\

 

Fixtures

 

South Africa vs Wales (9), July 28

South Africa vs Sri Lanka (15), July 29

South Africa vs Jamaica (4), July 30

()- Denotes World ranking

 

Key players

 

Bongiwe Msomi leads the experienced South African netball team. Karla Pretorius made a strong comeback after maternity leave. Shadine Van der Merwe performed well in the Netball Super League with teammate Lenize Potgieter, who regained form after a challenging time in Australia. Ine-Mari Venter is also crucial in the shooting circle, partnering with Potgieter.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 🏆
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 1⃣

South Africa is grouped with Jamaica, Wales and Sri Lanka in Group C. Catch the SPAR Proteas in action LIVE on SuperSport and SABC Sport. 👏

🇿🇦🇯🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇱🇰#SPARProteas | #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/c4nq7NndQ0

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 20, 2023

Malawi

 

Ranked 6th, Malawi Queens finished 6th in the 2019 Netball World Cup. They qualified for the Netball World Cup 2023 after performing well in the Netball World Cup Qualifiers – Africa, with one loss to hosts Netball South Africa. Their opening match is against Scotland on July 28.

 

Fixtures

 

Malawi vs Scotland (10), July 28

Malawi vs England (3), July 29

Malawi vs Barbados (14), July 30

()- Denotes World ranking

 

Key players

 

Mwai Kumwenda and Towera Vinkumbo had strong seasons in Australia and the Netball Super League, respectively. Kumwenda can offer insights on key Australian players, while Vinkumbo has inside knowledge of Scotland Thistles, Malawi’s first opponent. Unfortunately, Malawi will miss captain Caroline Mtukule due to injury. Jane Chimaliro will step in as the new captain, leading the team in her absence.

We wish the Malawi Queens all the best as they leave today for the Netball World Cup.
Don’t miss a match, stay connected to DStv as we’ll be bringing you all the action live from Cape Town. ⛹️‍♀️📺#HereForHer#NWC2023 #queenstimatha pic.twitter.com/LWbO2CspTm

— MalawiDStv (@MalawiStv) July 21, 2023

Uganda

 

The SheCranes achieved their highest-ever finish, seventh place, in the last Netball World Cup (Liverpool, 2019). They qualified for the Netball World Cup 2023 based on their 6th-place world ranking. The She Cranes will play against Singapore on July 28th.

 

Fixtures

 

Uganda vs Singapore (28), July 28

Uganda vs New Zealand (2), July 29

Uganda vs Trinidad & Tobago (11), July 30

()- Denotes World ranking

 

Key players

 

Uganda has an inexperienced squad, with two players returning from the 2019 World Cup. Their strong shooting circle features Mary Cholhok and Christine Namulumba. In other positions, keep an eye on skipper Irene Eyaru, Margret Baagala, Hanisha Muhammad, and Shaffie Nalwanja.

The National Netball team left this morning for Cape Town, South Africa where they will be competing at the 2023 Netball World Cup. The team will play build up games before the action proper gets underway on 28th July. #NWC2023#SupportSheCranes #Twaake #ShowYourColour pic.twitter.com/aVtpajPsWy

— Kanyomozi District (@PatriqKanyomozi) July 22, 2023

Zimbabwe

 

In the last Netball World Cup (Liverpool, 2019), Zimbabwe’s team, currently ranked 13th, the Gems, finished eighth. They qualified for the Netball World Cup 2023 by securing third place in the Netball World Cup Qualifiers – Africa, defeating Zambia. The Gems will play against Australia on July 28th.

 

Fixtures

 

Zimbabwe vs Australia (1), July 28

Zimbabwe vs Fiji (19), July 29

Zimbabwe vs Tonga (7), July 30

()- Denotes World ranking

 

Key players

 

Sharon Bwanali and Joice Takaidza are two important athletes in the goal circle. Both have had knee problems recently, but their form will be vital across the tournament. Against Namibia at the African Regional Qualifiers last year, both left the game with an injury, which left the team vulnerable.

ICYMI this is how the 1⃣6⃣ teams will be grouped for the 2023 Netball World Cup starting 28 July 2023 🙌🏆🇿🇦

ℹ️ Learn more about groups 👉 https://t.co/8TGUcqqWeR

Can’t be in Cape Town for the games? Follow the action on SuperSport and SABC Sport ✅#NWC2023 | #PutYourHandsUp pic.twitter.com/nBzjM40pdc

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 22, 2023

 

Source Credit: Women’s Health

 

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