Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
The netball World Cup tips off in Cape Town, South Africa next week and the New Zealand Silver Ferns can’t wait to defend their crown.
Speaking before the Ferns left for South Africa, captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, expressed her excitement for the tournament.
“We’ve been counting down for well over 100 days and now we’re 30 days out. It really is business time,” she says.
Defender Phoenix Karaka emphasised the team’s bond.
“On the surface, we know each other, but it’s nice to know that we’re all kind of learning and going through things as a team for the first time,” Karaka says.
Although she was set to retire after her ANZ Championship winning season with the Mystics, Sulu Fitzpatrick was selected as a travelling reserve for the Ferns squad this year and shared insights into their preparations.
“We’re trying to shift into getting that ugly, nitty-gritty and really pushing each other so that when it comes to facing teams like Australia, Jamaica, or England, it’s nothing new,” says Fitzpatrick.
Amidst the euphoria surrounding the squad announcement, one standout mid-courter, Elisapeta Toeava, was left off the list.
Toeava’s exceptional form during the ANZ Championship with the Mystics had captured the hearts of netball fans and her fellow franchise teammates.
Karaka and Fitzpatrick expressed their dismay at Toeava’s exclusion, acknowledging her immense talent and the effort she had put in during their franchise season.
Among the 16 qualified teams competing in this year’s World Cup, the rise of Pacific teams in the netball world has brought a wave of excitement.
Former Silver Fern Catherine Latu and former Australian Diamonds player Mo’onia Gerrard have come out of retirement to play for the Tongan Tala team at this year’s tournament signifying the progress of Pacific nations in the sport.
Players such as Latu and Gerrard bring invaluable experience and skill to their teams, making them potential threats to more established squads which Phoenix is thrilled for.
“I love the fact that it’s happening in netball now. I actually think they could upset a few teams,” she says.
Netball World Cup which will begin on the 28th of July and will run until the 6th of August.
