Timmy T Maranda
South Africa’s netball women have a 10-2 winning record against Uganda, but that is no reason to be overconfident.
Spar Protea captain Bongiwe Msomi has warned her teammates not to underestimate Uganda when they play them on Thursday.
The Spar Proteas will start the Tri-Nations series by playing Uganda’s “She-Cranes” at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. No spectators are allowed and the matches will be played in the ‘bio-bubble’ due to covid-19 restrictions.
Msomi said they are grateful to get game time with countries like Uganda and Namibia.
“We are hosting the World Cup in 2023 but we also have Common Wealth Games coming up next year and this is the right time to prepare,” she said.
“The connections, combinations and depth don’t just come overnight. This will give all the girls an opportunity to compete.”
She said they are going for the win.
“That will give the girls the confidence but we have to perform as a team first and eventually the results will come. We can’t underestimate them, and obviously they are African countries and there is a lot of work you have to do if you want to win against them.”
The Spar Proteas played the She-Cranes 12 times in the past, managed to win 10 times and lost twice with the average score of 50-30. South Africa’s biggest victory was in the World cup in Liverpool, where they defeated Uganda 67-40.
Last year they edged out Uganda 50-47 at the same venue in 2019.The match starts at 18h00.
Picture source: @NetballSA
