Netball World Cup to inspire greatness

The hosting of the Netball World Cup in South Africa will greatly benefit the development of the sport, believes Proteas captain Bongiwe Msomi.

She added that the awarding of the hosting rights of netball’s premier tournament to South Africa will help grow the sport among aspiring players.

South Africa will be the first African country to host the tournament since it started in 1963.

Born in Durban’s Mpumalanga township, Msomi said netball opened doors for her.

The centre-cum-wing attack said youngsters now have a chance of representing their country on home soil in the 2023 tournament.

“It is possible. It might seem far away but it is really not. Start working now towards achieving this exciting goal because you can! It is all about the hard work, commitment and discipline you put in now,” said Msomi.

 The South African netball star is currently playing for England’s Wasps club.

She said the best way to grow the game is for the country to set plans and ensure they are achieved.

“Already, the interest in participating in the tournament is high. South Africa must do what it takes to host a successful tournament that makes both the country and the continent proud.”

She said with the right structures in place, young girls could be selected for the national team to participate in the tournament and the team could even go on to win.

“Anything is possible. The Spar Proteas has proven this during recent competitions,” she said.

“We must remember that the efforts we make now will benefit generations to come and ensure netball grows in popularity,” she said.

The 31-year-old said young people must know how life-changing sport participation can be in opening doors for personal growth and development.

The captain advises young girls who want to play for the Proteas to be disciplined, adding that hard work and commitment are essential for success.