By Sophie Taylor
The Netball World Cup is the pinnacle of an enormous four-year international cycle, making it the event many top talents aim to compete in.
While Australia has a decorated history within the Netball World Cup, the Origin Diamonds are just one of 16 nations competing in the 2023 edition – making for an enormous pool of international talent.
Australia will play Zimbabwe, Tonga and Fiji in the pool rounds, with fans excited for the impact these developing netball nations can have throughout the event.
Here’s a look at the players to watch in Cape Town.
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe stated its case at the 2019 edition, participating for the first time and finishing eighth on an extraordinary debut. Ranked 13th in the world, the African nation will bring a wealth of flair and energy to the competition, despite comprehensive changes compared to its previous World Cup squad.
Captain Felistus Kwangwa brings great leadership to the defensive end, using her strength to body up on goalers and impact both on and off the ball. Goal shooter Joice Takaidza is a proven target, able to have a huge impact credit to her long-range shooting ability and willingness to compete. She will be ably assisted by returnee Sharon Tanyaradzwa Bwanali in the front-end.
Zimbabwe's Joice Takaidza poses a threat at this year's Netball World Cup.TONGA
The addition of familiar names to Tonga’s first Netball World Cup berth in over 20 years will give the island nation a huge opportunity to state their case on the international stage. Former Samoa and New Zealand representative Cat Tuivaiti adds a huge amount of flair to the goal circle, while former Australian defender Mo’onia Gerrard’s experience at the top level will be crucial.
Captain, Hulita Veve is a real motor through the midcourt, while Kelea Iongi and Uneeq Palavi are also familiar names following successful stints with Tonga at the PacificAus Sports Netball Series and within Australia’s state pathways programs.
FIJI
The Fiji Pearls may be ranked 19th in the world, but they have a host of stellar talent looking to step up on the international stage. Participating in their ninth Netball World Cup and boasting a wealth of returning talent, the Pearls will hope to shake up the preliminary rounds.
Defensive duo Kelera Nawai and Vakaoca Bolakoro return for their second World Cup, as captain Maria Rusivakula looks to make an impact on debut. Eighteen-year-old goaler Elina Drikibau will be one to watch after making her senior debut at the PacificAus Sports Netball Series, teaming up with experienced heads in former captain Unaisi Kubunameca and holding shooter Lydia Panapasa.
Tonga Tala captain Hulita Veve will lead her nation at its second World Cup.THE BIG FOUR
There’s a possibility the Diamonds could meet England in the second pool round, making for a massive clash between two of the top nations well before the finals. Despite some wholesale changes across their squad, expect England to be a major threat.
Helen Housby and Eleanor Cardwell have been in excellent form this year, while Olivia Tchine offers a fresh face to the England goal circle. The defensive end for England is looking stronger than ever with the addition of Funmi Fadoju to the tried and tested combination of Layla Guscoth and Geva Mentor.
New Zealand has put forward a threatening squad, and will look to overturn a disappointing third-place finish at last year’s Commonwealth Games when they suit up in South Africa. Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has been in impressive form, as has Grace Nweke who has well and truly asserted herself as one of the best young goalers in the world.
The Ferns offer plenty of versatility through the midcourt with Gina Crampton, Maddy Gordon, Whitney Souness and Kate Heffernan all able to rotate effortlessly, while the return of Jane Watson to the back-end will paint worrying signs for other nations.
Jane Watson returns to the New Zealand Silver Ferns lineup at the 2023 Netball World Cup.There is no doubting the strength of Jamaica’s list as they look to back up an incredible Commonwealth Games effort last year. With threatening figures all across the court, the Sunshine Girls are undoubtedly a team to watch.
There is no shortage of defensive prowess in the Jamaican lineup, with Shamera Sterling, Latanya Wilson and Jodi-Ann Ward all taking out starting spots. Jhaniele Fowler and Romelda Aiken-George head up a threatening attack, led by Nicole Dixon-Rochester and Khadijah Williams through the midcourt.
Host nation South Africa has named a star-studded list as they contend for a podium finish on home soil. Under returning coach Norma Plummer, expect the Spar Proteas to showcase the immense developing talent they have at their disposal.
Captain Bongi Msomi will attend her fourth World Cup, as experienced heads in Karla Pretorius, Phumza Maweni, Khanyisa Chawane and Lenize Potgieter all look to continue their individual dominance on the world stage. Izette Griesel is no newcomer to the international scene but will look to impress at her maiden World Cup, and is joined by six additional World Cup debutants.
