Kiwi coach cheers for Proteas' Norma and supporters

Despite star player Grace Nweke’s knee injury, the Silver Ferns are one of the favorite teams to walk away with the World Cup laurels in Cape Town.

The 21-year-old Nweke is a waffle machine in the goal circle and she was spot on with 97% of her goal attempts before her untimely injury.

According to Ameliaranne Ekenasio, the team was devastated when they heard the news, but they were persuaded to give their best on the court.

“There was a lot of emotion and tears; yet we know how important it is to stand together. Things happen in a team setting that can either tear you apart or strengthen the bond between the players,” said the Kiwi captain.

Coach Noeline Taurua agrees with her captain’s stand-up statement.

“We have always known that we cannot rely only on the skills of one person. We have to make sure that we have players who can play multiple roles on the court,” said the 55-year-old coach.

Absolutely devastating news to share that shooter Grace Nweke has been ruled out of the Netball World Cup after scans today confirmed a partial tear in her patella tendon. Traveling reserve Tiana Metuarau has been called into the playing 12 for the remainder of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/Ib6INJaND6

— Silver Ferns (@SilverFernsNZ) July 31, 2023

The New Zealanders play against South Africa tonight in a Group G match and Taurua admitted that she is wary of Norma Plummer.

The tired Aussie earlier won her 100th international match with the Proteas and she undoubtedly has the ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat; even against a formidable New Zealand team.

“I’m just scared of her,” Taurua said with a smile.

“Norma is amazing. She is one of the best yet, a legend and I have a lot of respect for her.”

The New Zealanders played in a four-cornered netball series in South Africa in January and they know that the home team’s supporters can be compared to an additional player on the court.

“If there is one thing we have learned in the four-cornered series, it is that we are not only playing against players on the court, but also against the spectators in the pavilion. It’s going to be pretty noisy on the track.”

???????? ???????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????: Your loyalty inspires us to go higher, and we’re grateful for each cheer and encouraging word. Thank you. ????????????#SPARProteas | #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/IxQy7Juxix

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 31, 2023