South Africa’s chances of competing for a medal at the Netball World Cup 2023 in front of their
home fans were dealt yet another devastating blow following their defeat to Jamaica on Sunday.
South Africa faced Trinidad & Tobago in their opening Pool G encounter.

Lenize Potgieter, a goal shooter who participated in the first three quarters of the match against
Jamaica, had to pull out due to injury. Reserve Sesandile Owethu Ngubane took her position. As a
precaution for what coach Norma Plummer at the time referred to as “a slight niggle,” Potgieter sat
out of the Proteas’ matches against Wales and Sri Lanka.

Potgieter had an operation on her right knee in July last year and underwent intense rehabilitation.
She missed the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where South Africa had to settle for sixth
position.

The Proteas got off to a strong start with victories over Wales and Sri Lanka, but a defeat to highly
anticipated Jamaica brought them back to earth.

The game against the Caribbean side exposed South Africa’s vulnerability to challenges from more
powerful opponents. They didn’t have a lot of the ball when playing the Sunshine Girls, which made
it difficult for players like Msomi to control the pace and direction of the game.

In a decisive performance at the CTICC on Sunday, the Proteas defeated an arguably sloppy Trinidad
and Tobago team 69-28.