Dylan Bettencourt
For the first time ever, Netball South Africa has given 24 players professional contracts to play for their country.
The members of the current South African squad were given performance based deals.
South Africa’s goal shooter Lenzie Potgieter said this historical deal will secure their future as players.
“It’s giving us a sense of security, and a sense of confidence. We feel that they believe in us to get the job done,” she told BBC Sport Africa.
The decision to give the members contracts comes ahead of the Commonwealth Games scheduled to begin in August.
For the Australian-based Potgieter, it will be her first national outing since she suffered mental health issues last September that kept her out of action.
The 28-year-old said the contracts will give the netball players a much-needed mental health boost.
“I definitely think it can help ease financial pressure, and ultimately ease some mental pressure,” the Adelaide Thunderbirds player said.
Both Potgieter and Netball South Africa feel this move will benefit the growth of the game for both current and future players.
“It will have a massive impact on the sport in South Africa,” Potgieter said.
“I think younger girls will think, ‘Oh, yes, I can make a job of it. If I get chosen into development teams I might have a chance to play in leagues in England, New Zealand or Australia’.”
Coach of the South African netball team Dorette Badenhorst said the move will increase the standard of the sport in the country.
Following the Commonwealth Games, South Africa will host Africa’s 2023 Netball World Cup qualifiers and will host the showpiece next year as 16 countries battle it out for the crown in Cape Town.
Image source: @Sascoc
