BONGANI MALUNGA
Africa Netball president Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego has hailed the International Netball Federation (INF)’s decision to name South Africa as the hosts of the 2023 Netball World Cup, with Cape Town as the host city. This will be the first time a senior Netball World Cup tournament has been hosted in Africa.
South Africa beat New Zealand’s bid, the latter had previously hosted the tournament in 2007 and they were bidding for a second nod but they were outlasted by the Africans, the announcement was made earlier this month and Lebotse-Sebego has lauded Africa’s development and growth in the last 10 years. There are six African countries in the top 25 of the INF world rankings, the list includes South Africa (5), Malawi (6), Uganda (7), Zimbabwe (13), Zambia (16) and Botswana (24).
Botswana also successfully hosted the 2017 Netball Youth Cup, becoming the first African nation to host the youth tournament. Lebotse-Sebego, who has been the president of the continental Africa Netball body since 2010, told this publication that Africa has covered a lot of ground in the last few years and that the recent global recognition is an indication of progress. She stated that South Africa are worthy of such an honour.
“It gives me great joy to congratulate Netball South Africa for winning the rights to host the 2023 Netball World Cup. The past 10 years have been amazing for African netball. Hosting the World Cup is another solid confirmation that Africa Netball is a force to be reckoned with,” Lebotse-Sebego said in an official statement.