5 Players Expected to Play Influential Roles at Netball World Cup

The Netball World will have its eyes firmly on Cape Town for the next 10 days with 16 of the worlds greatest teams ready to battle for glory at the 2023 Netball World Cup held on African Soil for the first time. 

Over the past few weeks, the cream of the crop have been arriving for the showpiece set to start on 28 July to the 6th of August. 

Any World Cup provides the perfect stage for the youngsters, the debutants and the veterans of the game to either introduce themselves to the world stage or cement their place as a “great” in the sport. 

As we look ahead to the start of the netball-extravaganza these are the 5 players to watch in the Mother City. 

KHANYISA CHAWANE – SOUTH AFRICA: It’s only fitting that we start our top 5 with a strong player from the host nation South Africa. Chawane is Centre/Wing Defence and it would be a horrible mistake to undermine or not take note of her as she was named Player of the Tournament in every tournament that she played in, in 2018. Despite the disruptor that was COVID-19, KC continues to be influential in every team she’s a part of. Chawane has the experience of having played overseas in the United Kingdom for Bath in the European Super League before returning home. The Tzaneen native, had a stellar season with the Free State Crinums in the domestic Telkom Netball League this season, ending the 2023 edition as the Player of the Tournament as she helped them get to the final of the TNL and walking away with a silver medal. A feat that bodes well for Coach Norma Plummer and team. 

ELEANOR CARDWELL – ENGLAND: The defender turned unstoppable shooter had an outstanding debut season in Australia’s Super Netball League. One of England’s debutants, Cardwell won the league with the Adelaide Thunderbirds. She is lethal under the goal post and is known to give some of the toughest defenders a rough time. As the Vitality Roses look to avenge their disappointing showing at their home Commonwealth Games, Cardwell’s presence will be key in restoring their presence as a threat to win the tournament in South Africa.

GRACE NWEKE – NEW ZEALAND: The defending champions as a team in its entirety are ones to watch and have earned the favourites tag they hold. Grace Nweke is fresh off her 70-goal ANZ Premiership final heroics for the Northern Mystics. The 21-year-old boasted a 96% accuracy in the domestic league. The lethal shooter was named player of the tournament at the Quad Series earlier this year. As the Silver Ferns take another bite at glory and defend their title, Nweke could be very instrumental.

LIZ WATSON – AUSTRALIA: Following an agonizing loss to New Zealand in the final of Liverpool, 2019, Australia has a score to settle and will throw everything at their competitors to return to winning ways. Part of the title favourites and one to watch is Liz Watson. Touted as the best wing attack in the world Watson topped the stats across the court in feeds, goal assists, and was second for centre pass receives in the Quad Series final in January. The skipper has big match temperament to envy because you’ll hardly find her flustered and losing control on court. Many have said, “you contain Watson, you tame The Aussie Diamonds. Her speed in attack is her super power. “Midcourt is all about providing the goalers with the best possible opportunity to shoot,” according to Watson. “To do this, midcourters need to be dynamic, fast and have smarts to land on the circle edge and get their goalers into the best shooting position with a great feed,” she added. 

KARLA PRETORIUS – SOUTH AFRICA: England will tell you why Pretorius is a player to watch at the NWC 2023 after she stunned them with an incredible performance during the 2023 Quad Series in January. Before that, the hosts vice-captain was named as Player of the tournament in the previous World Cup. Following a successful return in the 2023 season with Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia, Pretorius, who is known for athletic interceptions, leadership skills and elusive style of play will play a key role for the hosts who are aiming for a podium finish in their own backyard. “I definitely think we can end up on the podium, said Pretorius, speaking to local media ahead of the world cup.