News24.com | Netball SA aims to bring 'vibe' as Cape Town readies for World Cup

Spar Proteas (Netball South Africa)

• The 100-day countdown for the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town has commenced.
• For 10 days, 16 of the world's best will take to the court in Africa's first Netball World Cup campaign.
• Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane believes that a podium finish is the host's main target come July.

Excitement is building as South Africa is just 100 days away from hosting the Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

Sixteen countries will compete for the ultimate prize in netball from 28 July to 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

On Wednesday, the countdown to the tournament began with a road mural painted at Lower Loop Street near the entrance of the CTICC.

The mural was unveiled in true Cape style with song and dance as the minister of sport, arts and culture, Zizi Kodwa, City of Cape Town major Geordin Hill-Lewis and Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane were present to welcome the 100-day launch.

"Awareness is important. This is happening in our country; support the girls and netball," Molokwane told reporters in Cape Town on Wednesday.

"We've been struggling in women's sport for a while to be taken seriously and put out there. Murals like this says a lot and says we're supporting you and netball is here."

SEE | 'United Warriors': Proteas unveil African-inspired netball World Cup kit

Netball South Africa will adopt a similar method used at the 2010 FIFA World Cup as they will bring back fan parks and initiate "Netball Fridays" to support July's World Cup.

On Friday, 21 April, eight Cape Town communities will launch Street Netball - a regional programme that will reach 768 girls under the age of 13 in communities plagued by poverty and lack of adequate facilities.

The festival finale will take place in the fan park next to the CTICC to coincide with the Netball World Cup.

"The World Cup has made an impact and the sport has grown so much. We just need to make sure that it grows beyond," said Molokwane.

"The vibe we had in 2010, we can repeat that as we all know one thing that unites the country is sport."

The Spar Proteas finished fourth in January's Quad Series against New Zealand, England and eventual champions, Australia, in Cape Town.

It was Norma Plummer's side's first test in a World Cup year, and, despite a spirited campaign, the Proteas went winless.

Led by Bongi Msomi, the hosts South Africa are in pool C, paired alongside Jamaica, Wales and Sri Lanka.

"We have to be realistic, we don't have a professional league yet, however a medal podium can happen," admitted Molokwane.

"I don't want to point out a certain medal but let the players say it since they are taking to court. What they are telling me is a medal podium finish."

South Africa get the campaign underway as they clash in the opening encounter against Wales on 28 July.

Tickets are available for purchase via nwc2023.org.za, starting from R500.

Fans are advised that tickets available have been classified in various categories - gold, silver and bronze levels, as well as adult and junior prices.