Netball Jamaica gearing up for South Africa series
Published:Saturday | December 28, 2024 | 12:10 AM
With the Sunshine Girls set to take on South Africa in a three-match series at the National Indoor Sports Centre in January, president of Netball Jamaica (NJ), Tricia Robinson, said the association is ready to play its part in supporting the national team.
Jamaica will take on South Africa on January 18, 22 and 25 in three epic showdowns between two of the top five teams in the world.
The matchup will also be the Sunshine Girls’ second time facing a top-five ranked nation in the span of three months, having defeated England 2-1 in the inaugural Vitality Netball Horizon Series last month.
Robinson said they are delighted to see the national team back in action after their 15-month hiatus following the 2023 Netball World Cup and playing back-to-back series adds to the excitement.
“It has indeed been an exciting time for Netball Jamaica with the Sunshine Girls showcasing their talent on the international stage,” the president stated.
“Building on the momentum of their victory against the England Roses in the recently concluded Horizon Series, we are committed to maintaining and elevating the standard of netball in Jamaica.”
Robinson said the priority for NJ is to ensure the team can enter the three-match series in the best possible shape.
They are aiming to start the new year with positive results to build on the momentum gained from the Horizon series victory.
“Our coaching staff, led by coach Sasher-Gaye Henry, is focused on ensuring that the team is in peak condition for the upcoming three-game series against South Africa,” she explained.
“Ensuring the physical and mental readiness of players while managing injury risks has required close collaboration among coaches, medical staff, and players. We have prioritised player welfare by adjusting and incorporating the necessary recovery protocols.”
Robinson added, “The Horizon Series showcased the incredible talent of the Sunshine Girls, and the win against England has ignited even greater excitement among fans.”
Having seen the turnout from fans, Robinson stated the association will be hoping to organise more competitive series for the Girls.
She explained that with more games being played, the Sunshine Girls are expected to maintain their global position as one the sport’s powerhouses.
“Netball Jamaica aims to keep the team active with a packed calendar of matches through our varying leagues and scheduled tournaments. This ensures they remain competitive and prepared for international challenges.
“We are committed to riding this wave of success and ensuring that the Sunshine Girls continue to remain a staple in the diet of sports on the global stage.”
The last time the two teams met, at the 2023 Netball World Cup, Jamaica defeated South Africa 67-49.