On Monday night the Proteas claimed a convincing 69-28 win over the team from the Caribbean to build a little bit of momentum before facing the defending champions, New Zealand, on Wednesday.

The win was somewhat bitter sweet as the star goal shooter, Lenize Potgieter, was ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury.

The Proteas assistant coach Dumisani Chauke said that losing Potgieter was not ideal as she has been a prominent member of the team, but they have full confidence in Sesandile Owethu Ngubane who comes in as replacement.

“She’s been quite a strong anchor, so it is a blow,” said Chauke.

“We do have strong players in the team that are well capable of carrying on with the job and slot in nicely. Lenize is still around though, supporting us and making sure the girls stay together,” she said.

“All 15 are prepared for anything that comes along. So it was a smooth transition when she took to court today as there was nothing she [Ngubane] had to catch up on. She also had a great performance in the recent Telkom Netball League, so that was good.”

The hosts will enjoy a break on Tuesday before facing their toughest challenge to date when they come up against the defending champions, the Silver Ferns.

Wednesday night’s big clash between the Proteas and Silver Ferns will get underway at 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport