Netball South Africa Announces FAST5 World Series Squads

Photo Credit: Netball South Africa (Credit: Michael Bradley Photography)

Netball South Africa (NSA) has announced its men’s and women’s teams for the upcoming FAST5 Netball World Series in New Zealand. The teams are a blend of young and experienced players who are pushing the boundaries of the sport.

South Africa (10 October 2024) – Netball South Africa (NSA) has unveiled its men’s and women’s teams for the upcoming FAST5 Netball World Series.

The final 10-member squads, a blend of youth and experience, aim to make a strong impression at the prestigious tournament in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 9 and 10 November.

Although the selection process proved a tough task, NSA Director of Selections Ivy Khumalo expressed confidence in the chosen squads saying that the key factors used in selecting the teams for the FAST5 were based on what the teams experienced at the same competition last year.

“We took a relatively young team drawn from the Under 23s, and we saw how the other teams looked. The feeling was that had we taken a balanced team with a bit of maturity and more experience, we could have achieved something. So the selected teams reflect that blend of youth and experience,” says Khumalo.

South Africa’s male netball team has been steadily gaining international recognition, having competed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2022 and Botswana in 2023. The Men’s SA FAST5 Team also played at the FAST5 Netball World Series in New Zealand in 2023.

Last year, the SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s women’s netball team, took part in the first-ever Netball World Cup held in Cape Town.

They also travelled to Australia in October 2023 and to England in December 2023. While in England, they secured their eighth win on UK soil by defeating the Vitality Roses in the second test.

The FAST5 format, known for its fast-paced and exciting gameplay, will provide a challenging test for the South African teams. However, with their skills and determination, Khumalo is confident in their ability to achieve success.

NSA President Cecilia Molokwane believes participation in international competitions is crucial for the players’ exposure.

“We just completed the Males Netball Championships, and what’s clear to us is that Netball’s potential is limitless. But we believe corporate support can unlock that potential, and together, we can create a winning formula for South Africa,” adds Molokwane.

The SA teams participating in the FAST5 Netball World Series:

Females: Rolene Streukter (GS); Zandré Smit (GS); Kamogelo Maseko (GA); Lefébre Rademan (GA); Shannen Bartlett (C); Amber Coraizin (C); Sanmarie Visser (GD); Boitumelo Mahloko (GD); Ané Retief (GK); Syntiche Kabuya (GK)
Non-travellers: Tarle Mathe (C); Nicholé Taljaard (GA)
Team Management: Martha Mosoahle-Samm (Head Coach); Erin Burger (Assistant Coach); Olga Nsele (Manager); Narita du Toit (Physio)

Males: William Lethoko (GS); Shane Labuschagne (GS/GA; Eugene Sinxesi (GA/GS); Fred Damons (GA/C); Sibongakonke Vava (C/GA); Itumeleng Mohanoe (C); Njabulo Nekhavhambe (GD); Sicelo Gamede (GD/GK); Edward Manyathela GK/GD; Vukile Zulu (GK)
Non-travellers: Lutendo Maiwashe (GS); Gavin Peters (C)
Team Management: Neville Chapepa (Head Coach); Themba Ntuli (Assistant Coach); Ollen Mampuru (Manager); Matome Seroto (Physio)