Sunshine Girls prep for South Africa begins
Published:Tuesday | December 10, 2024 | 12:09 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
JAMAICA’S SUNSHINE Girls have begun preparations for their upcoming home series against world number-five-ranked South Africa.
The three-match series is scheduled for January 18, 22, and 25 at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
According to Simone Forbes, vice president at Netball Jamaica, the team is excited.
“They’re actually over the moon. One of the things we at Netball Jamaica decided on was that we really need to be playing more netball, and at home to give the ladies an opportunity to play in front of their families, friends, and supporters. Therefore, they can’t contain themselves, especially due to what transpired during the England series,” said Forbes.
The Sunshine Girls are fresh off a 2-1 home-and-away series win against England and according to Forbes, the team is already working on schemes to register another victory on home soil against a strong opposition.
“We starting training yesterday as the squad was selected. They’re 18 players that the selectors have chosen and that number will be cut to 15,” said Forbes.
While keeping her cards close to the chest about the specific players expected to feature in the South Africa series, Forbes hinted that the squad would be similar to the one that faced England.
“Supporters can expect just about the same level of netball that they saw against England. The team will be just as strong, one player who played every game in the recent Horizon series will not be available for the January series while all other players will be available.”
Forbes explained that there is much momentum after their win over England and she expects the same level of intensity.
“Coming off the England series, and playing four big games would have given them some level of competitiveness under their belt. Therefore, I’m expected them to look better against South Africa, come January.”