Netball SA President Mimi Mthethwa has told gsport … for Girls! that she is quietly confident of the national squad’s performance following the COSANA Games, in which South Africa lost to hosts Malawi in the final on Saturday.
“I’m confident,” Mthethwa told gsport, “Though we didn’t win, I am happy that we are moving in right direction.”
South Africa’s progress at the tournament included comprehensive wins over Malawi u-21 (61-29) and Botswana (62-32), but included two close losses to Malawi (35-40; and 35-37 in the final).
“We could have won [the two games against Malawi],” Mthethwa said. “We find that in most cases we had possession, and we managed to move the ball to our shooters 51 times, but the team only scored 35.
“We must work on our shooting skills, we haven’t been able to get both shooters to do the job,” she said.
Mthethwa contrasted this result with similar results against other top international sides, saying: “Look at Malawi, they scored 37 out of 39 balls moved to the shooters, that is where our problem lies.”
Asked about the team makeup, Mthethwa was positive: “The whole team fights together. We took a young team to Malawi, as many regulars were not available. They coped very well under the circumstances.
“We do accept defeat, but Malawi are very physical, very aggressive, they often play the man rather than the ball,” Mthethwa continued.
Pressed about new talent in the squad, Mthethwa conceded that there is room for excitement.
“I am impressed with Yvonne Phiri, one of the youngest stars to come in,” she said. “She played well in her first opportunity as wing defender, supplying the ball well to shooters.
“Also, Cindy Gumede has confirmed her place as the country’s top [national netball] shooter,” Mthethwa told gsport, while acknowledging Malawi as among the world’s top scorers.
On Burta de Kock, Netball SA’s caretaker coach since the resignation of Marlene Wagner, Mthethwa was pleased to confirm that de Kock will remain in charge for the time being.
“Normally we schedule a tri-nations championship end November, beginning December,” said Mthethwa. “But the coach has asked for time with the team.
“It’s essential that we build self-esteem. We often get beaten, we must lift spirits before the world cup in Fiji next year,” Mthethwa concluded.
As a result, Netball SA will look to invite Malawi and Botswana for a delayed tri-nations in January 2007, before appointing a permanent coach.
Mthethwa was quick not to rule de Kock out, and confirmed that the caretaker will be a contender, should she be available for the position.
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