The countdown to the first Netball World Cup on African soil in 2023 is in full swing. On Wednesday afternoon, the most prestigious and iconic netball trophy was brought to the Maponya shopping centre in Soweto.
With the 2023 Netball World Cup set to kick off in Cape Town on July 26, the Netball Association is taking the trophy across the country so fans can see and experience the coveted trophy up close – the very trophy that the World Cup winning country will receive. Scores of fans chanted Protea’s name and waved flags 53 days before the tournament began, while police watched the netball fever rise.
Netball South-Africa President Cecilia Molokwane commented on the excitement of the trophy tour, saying that hosting the spectacle is a great opportunity for the country to showcase its culture and uniqueness and leave a legacy.
“It is a great success for women’s sport in South Africa and we encourage the public to go out and be part of this proud nationwide tour,” Molokwane added.
MMC for Community Development in the city of Johannesburg, added: “The support across the province has been overwhelming in the run-up to the tournament.” When I took office as MMC, I made it clear that we would prioritize the growth of women’s sports in the city, and as a government we are delighted with this achievement”
The trophy is currently touring five regions in Gauteng, with Sedibeng getting its first glimpse of it at Sicelo Stadium. Among other stops, the trophy was also taken to mayoral offices in Braamfontein.