Sydney, Australia- The SPAR Proteas received a special message before the start of their Netball World Cup campaign in Sydney on Friday.
“Although we play different sports, we share the same pride in representing our country,” said Springbok captain Jean de Villiers, in a message recorded at the Springbok camp in Durban.
“We wish you every success at the World Cup, and we know you are going to do South Africa proud,” he said.
“Do your best, and be great ambassadors for our country. Above all, have fun and enjoy the experience.”
“It was so cool to get the message,” said World Cup debutant, goal defence Karla Mostert.
“He is such a great, humble guy. We were surprised but thrilled to get the message.”
Unfortunately, the message from the Springbok captain was not enough to inspire the Proteas to victory – they lost their opening match to Malawi by 58 goals to 51.
But like every South African team “a loss will only inspire you to work harder and fight for victory” said SPAR Proteas Captain, Maryka Holtzhausen. “We may have lost to Malawi but we will fight harder in our next games to make South Africa proud.
The message from Jean was played to us ahead of the World Cup and it was so welcome and appreciated” added Holtzhausen.
