The continent has four teams taking part — South Africa, Uganda, Malawi and Zimbabwe — but the hopes of a medal for the continent have been pinned on South Africa.
Besides the Proteas being the top-ranked African national team, they are the only side from the continent to have been on a World Cup podium.
They reached the semifinals and finished fourth in Liverpool in 2019. In the five previous World Cups, from 1999 to 2015, they placed fifth four times and sixth the other.
South Africa’s one podium finish came in 1995 when they finished as runners-up to Australia, while they also finished third in 1967. Another top performance by an African side was when Malawi finished fifth in the 2007 World Cup.
“We have to take it game by game and know every opponent is there to do their best. We have to continue where we left off in the previous World Cup,” said assistant coach Precious Mthembu.
“I believe in coach Norma [Plummer], she knows how to prepare for these games and she makes sure the combinations are perfect.”
Support independent journalism by subscribing to TimesLIVE Premium. Just R80 per month.
POLL | Do you think SA will win the Netball World Cup?
Image: Misha Jordaan/Gallo Images/Netball World Cup 2023
All eyes are on the South African netball team and how they will navigate the Netball World Cup which started in Cape Town on Thursday.
Sixteen teams will compete over 10 days in the hope of being crowned champions.
The Netball Proteas open their campaign against Wales at Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The continent has four teams taking part — South Africa, Uganda, Malawi and Zimbabwe — but the hopes of a medal for the continent have been pinned on South Africa.
Besides the Proteas being the top-ranked African national team, they are the only side from the continent to have been on a World Cup podium.
They reached the semifinals and finished fourth in Liverpool in 2019. In the five previous World Cups, from 1999 to 2015, they placed fifth four times and sixth the other.
South Africa’s one podium finish came in 1995 when they finished as runners-up to Australia, while they also finished third in 1967. Another top performance by an African side was when Malawi finished fifth in the 2007 World Cup.
“We have to take it game by game and know every opponent is there to do their best. We have to continue where we left off in the previous World Cup,” said assistant coach Precious Mthembu.
“I believe in coach Norma [Plummer], she knows how to prepare for these games and she makes sure the combinations are perfect.”
Support independent journalism by subscribing to TimesLIVE Premium. Just R80 per month.
READ MORE:
Netball World Cup: an untold black sport history of South Africa
Netball Proteas avoid Banyana drama by keeping World Cup incentives quiet
Aussie Diamonds seek winning return to Cape Town for World Cup
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos