Netball is back

SUPERSPORT



African netball will come roaring back when the 2021 Spar Challenge takes place in Cape Town, beginning today.

The 16-match series will feature the Spar Proteas, Uganda's She Cranes, Namibia's Debmarine Desert Jewels, the President's XII and Spar Baby Proteas.

All matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Variety 4.

Ranked fifth in the world, South Africa will start as favourites, but can expect tough opposition against Uganda especially, with the East Africans rated seventh internationally.

“This is another opportunity for us to give the Spar Proteas team international exposure and ranking games. We are thankful for that at this difficult time in the world. We respect Uganda and Namibia's netball team and know they will be tough opponents.

“The more we can play, and the more experience the team can get, the better they will become. Therefore, it is also important to give more players opportunity through the President's XII team,” said Spar Proteas head coach Dorette Badenhorst. The Proteas under-21s have been invited to participate to ensure they get game time under their belts ahead of their upcoming Youth World Championship in Fiji at the end of the year.

The fixtures are as follows:

Thursday, 25 March:

10:00: South Africa vs Namibia

14:00: South Africa Under-21 vs President's XII

16:00: Opening ceremony

18:00: South Africa vs Uganda

Friday, 26 March:

16:00: South Africa U-21 vs President's XII

18:00: Uganda vs Namibia

Saturday, 27 March:

16:00: South Africa U-21 vs Uganda

18:00: South Africa vs Namibia

Sunday, 28 March:

10:00: Uganda vs Namibia

16:00: South Africa U-21 vs President's XII

18:00: South Africa vs Uganda

Monday, 29 March:

16:00: South Africa U-21 vs President's XII

18:00: Uganda vs Namibia

Tuesday, 30 March:

16:00: South Africa U-21 vs President's XII

18:00: South Africa vs Namibia

Wednesday, 31 March:

14:00: Namibia vs President's XII

16:00: South Africa vs Uganda

17:30: Awards ceremony