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Hero’s send-off for teams Banyana, Proteas and netball to World Cups

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2019 is certainly a fruitful year for South African sports as five national teams will represent the country at their respective World Cups throughout the year.

Minister of Sport Tokozile Xasa celebrated and honoured the incredible feat by hosting a hero’s send-off lunch in Johannesburg on Saturday, for the three sides leaving the country soon.

Whilst ensuring government support to them, Xasa handed over national flags to the Proteas Cricket side who jet off for England, Banyana Banyana who leave for France on Thursday as well as the Netball national team leaving next month.

Xasa also sent her warm wishes to a fourth side, Amajita, who couldn’t take part in the celebrations as they are already in Poland ahead of the FIFA Men’s Under 20 World Cup.

With the Rugby World Cup only taking place in September, Xasa says she will host the Springboks before they jet off too.

Having represented the country with flying colours during her heydays, retired swimming stalwart Natalie du Toit lauded the Minister for bringing the three codes under one roof and shared her wishes too.

Currently gearing up for the 15th edition of the Netball World Cup to be staged in England in mid-July, lanky Proteas Women player Zanele Vimbela expressed gratitude to the ministry and says they will be buoyed by the support shown to bring gold back home.

The 12th edition of the Cricket World Cup will be hosted by England and Wales from the 30th of May till the 14th of July and will see South Africa battle with England in the opening fixture.


The 8th edition of the Women’s World Cup will be played in France from 7th June to 7th July while the Netball World Cup will be staged from the 12th – 21st of July in Liverpool. Report by Tumi Gabonamong

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