Netball South Africa‘s bid to host the 2023 Netball World Cup received a major boost when the government declared its support.
This was confirmed by Deputy Sports Minister, Gert Oosthuizen, during the opening day of the Spar Netball Championships in Port Elizabeth.
South Africa ranked in the fifth place, is bidding against one of the game’s superpowers, New Zealand.
The 2018 championships is played on districts rather than provincial basis, as it was the case in previous years.
About 1 500 players have converged in the Friendly City.
The organisers are hoping to showcase South Africa’s readiness to host the 2023 event.
A bid book was formally submitted to the International Netball Federation in London last week.
NSA president Cecilia Molokwane says: “Netball is the biggest female sport in the country, and has never hosted any world cup. We think is the time to host one. The world cup has been hosted by male dominated sports.”
This is also part of NSA’s aim to take the game to the people.
As part of her centenary year, late struggle stalwart, Albertin Sisulu, was presented with Proteas colours.
The tournament concludes on Saturday.
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