Netball World Cup 2023: A Fierce Battle Among Powerhouses

The Netball World Cup is just around the corner (28th July to 6th August 2023), and fans are eagerly anticipating the battles among some of the best netball teams in the world. With the 2022 Commonwealth Games serving as a barometer of performance, we consider who of the netball powerhouses of Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and England, will emerge victorious. But let’s not ignore the home team of South Africa and the ever-improving team from Malawi.

Australia: A Legacy of Excellence

When it comes to netball, Australia has consistently been a force to be reckoned with. The reigning Commonwealth Games champions, the Australian Diamonds, showcased their dominance with a stunning performance in 2022. The team’s incredible speed, accuracy, and tactical finesse make them a formidable opponent for any team. With a strong history in the Netball World Cup, having secured 11 out of 14 titles, Australia will undoubtedly be determined to add another trophy to their illustrious collection.

Squad

Shooters

• Cara Koenen
• Kiera Austin
• Sophie Garbin
• Steph Wood

Centre Court

• Ash Brazill
• Paige Hadley
• Jamie-Lee Price
• Liz Watson

Defenders

• Courtney Bruce
• Sarah Klau
• Joanna Weston
• Sunday Aryang

Reserves

• Ruby Bakewell-Doran
• Kate Moloney
• Donnell Wallam

New Zealand: The Arch-rival and Underdog

New Zealand’s Silver Ferns have a storied history and are known for their intense rivalry with Australia. As current holders of the World Cup, and taking Bronze in the Commonwealth Games 2022, the Silver Ferns are no strangers to success. They possess a unique style of play, characterised by their strong defensive strategy and swift transitions. The team has consistently challenged Australia’s dominance and will be eager to reclaim the world title in 2023.

Squad

Shooters

• Ameliaranne Ekenasio
• Grace Nweke
• Te Paea Selby-Rickit
• Maia Wilson

Centre Court

• Gina Crampton
• Maddy Gordon
• Whitney Souness
• Kate Heffernan

Defenders

• Karin Burger
• Kelly Jury
• Phoenix Karaka
• Jane Watson

Reserves

• Sulu Fitzpatrick
• Tiana Metuarau
• Mila Reulu-Buchanan

Jamaica: The Caribbean Powerhouse

Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls have made significant strides in recent years and are a force to be reckoned with. With their impressive athleticism and explosive shooting, the Jamaican team has consistently posed a threat to the traditional netball powerhouses. They proved their worth as runs-up to Australia in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. While yet to secure a Netball World Cup title, Jamaica’s potential to upset the status quo cannot be ignored, and they will be aiming to make history this year.

Squad

Shooters 

• Romelda Aiken-George
• Shanice Beckford
• Jhaniele Fowler
• Shimona Nelson
• Rebecca Robinson

Centre Court 

• Nicole Dixon-Rochester
• Crystal Plummer
• Abigale Sutherland
• Adean Thomas
• Khadijah Williams

Defenders 

• Kadie-Ann Dehaney
• Kimone Shaw
• Shamera Sterling
• Jodi-Ann Ward
• Latanya Wilson

England: Roses starting to bloom again

England’s Roses have made substantial progress in recent years and are growing into a formidable competitor on the international stage. Their victory at the 2018 Commonwealth Games was a testament to their improvement and determination. However, they did not manage a medal at the 2022 Games. The good news is they have excellent shooting accuracy – Eleanor Cardwell took the MVP crown in the tight Super Netball final recently – and relentless defence. They will be looking to challenge NZ and Australia, and to improve on the bronze medal from the 2019 World Cup.

Squad

Shooters

• Eleanor Cardwell
• Helen Housby
• Olivia Tchine
• Natalie Metcalf

Centre Court

• Imogen Allison
• Jade Clarke
• Laura Malcolm
• Chelsea Pitman

Defenders

• Funmi Fadoju
• Layla Guscoth
• Geva Mentor
• Francesca Williams

Reserves

• Halimat Adio
• Amy Carter
• Sophie Drakeford-Lewis

South Africa: Home Soil Success?

South Africa will want to build on their fourth place in the 2019 World Cup with a medal winning run on home soil. The fact the tournament is based Cape Town could invigorate the team to a result better than their current ranking of 5 in the world.

Squad

Shooters

• Lenize Potgieter
• Nichole Taljaard
• Elmere van der Berg
• Ine-Mari Venter

Centre Court

• Bongiwe Msomi
• Khanyisa Chawane
• Izette Griesel

Defenders

• Karla Pretorius
• Phumza Maweni
• Nicola Smith
• Jeante Strydom
• Shadine van der Merwe

Malawi’s Potential

While Malawi is considered an outlier among the traditional netball powerhouses, they have showcased great potential in recent tournaments. The Malawi Queens consistently display exceptional teamwork, skilful playmaking, and an unwavering spirit. They have achieved commendable results, including finishing sixth in the 2019 Netball World Cup. While a win may be a long shot, Malawi has the ability to surprise. They’re currently ranked number 6 in the world.

Squad

Shooters

• Mwai Kumwenda
• Jane Chimaliro
• Joyce Mvula
• Sindi Sintowe

Centre Court

• Takondwa Lwazi
• Thandi Galeta
• Martha Dambo

Defenders

• Caroline Mtukule
• Grace Mwafulirwa
• Towera Vinkhumbo
• Laureen Ngwira
• Madalitso Mkandawire

Reserves

• Shabel Bengo
• Salome Nkhoma
• Florence Gamuka