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The excitement continues to build ahead of the first Netball World Cup on African Soil as the 10-day extravaganza is set to take place in South Africa, Cape Town.
The eyes of the world will be at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town, with Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa and Uganda representing the continent.
Here is a list of African players expected to impact the World Cup when the action begins significantly.
Karla Pretorius- South Africa | Position: Goal Defender
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The Spar Proteas' formidable goal defender, Karla Pretorius, made an extraordinary comeback to the court following her maternity leave.
It was as if she had never left, displaying her exceptional skills during the 2023 Quad Series, particularly in the intense match against England.
Her performance was a powerful reminder to the netball world why she was awarded the Most Valuable Player title at the last World Cup in 2019.
Pretorius also returned to the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Suncorp Super Netball league, where she played a vital role in the team's improved performance, finishing fifth overall.
Ending the season on a high note, the Lightning secured the Queensland Cup after a commanding victory over the Queensland Firebirds.
As the Proteas' vice-captain, Pretorius's experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the team's home-level performance.
Mary Cholhok- Uganda | Position: Goal Shooter
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Uganda's star goal shooter, Mary Cholhok, is heading to Cape Town with soaring confidence after a remarkable season with Loughborough Lightning in the Superleague.
Cholhok played a pivotal role in leading the Lightning to victory in the Netball Super League Grand Final, ending the season on a high note.
Throughout the season, Cholhok maintained remarkable consistency, earning her the title of the league's top scorer with a remarkable 908 goals in 19 appearances.
With such outstanding form, Cholhok is expected to carry her league performance into the Uganda She Cranes' campaign in the World Cup.
Cape Town will mark her second appearance in the global tournament after her debut in 2019 in Liverpool, and her presence will undoubtedly be a significant asset for her team.
Felistus Kwangwa- Zimbabwe | Position: Goal Defender
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The captain of Zimbabwe's national team emerged as one of the standout players during the previous Netball World Cup.
Her exceptional performances earned her three Player of the Match accolades, making her the first Zimbabwean to achieve this feat in the tournament's history.
Kwangwa's outstanding showing on the global stage opened the doors for her to play in the United Kingdom's Netball Super League when she signed with Surrey Storm in the 2021 season.
She was also a vital member of the 2023 squad that secured an eighth-place finish in the Netball Super League.
Kwangwa's experience and leadership will be invaluable as the Gems aim to surpass their performance from their debut World Cup and strive for a higher ranking.
Caroline Mtukule- Malawi | Position: Goal Keeper/ Goal Defender
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Malawi Queens' captain, Caroline Mtukule, will be stepping onto the court for her fifth Netball World Cup appearance, marking her participation in her 10th major international tournament.
This season, she enjoyed her first taste of overseas domestic competition with Team Bath in the 2023 Super League, where she played in 13 matches after making her debut against Surrey Storm.
Mtukule joined the Scotland-based side as an injury replacement for defender Tash Pavelin, who had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.
In her first season overseas, Mtukule and Team Bath Netball successfully defended their crown at the British Fast5 All-Stars Championship.
With her extensive experience, Mtukule aims to lead her team to a better finish in Cape Town, building upon their sixth-place result in the last edition held in Liverpool.
Her experience in competitive and professional leagues will prove valuable in achieving their goals.
Grace Nweke- New Zealand | Position: Goal Shooter
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Born in Auckland, Nweke is of Nigerian descent. She debuted for the Silver Ferns in September 2021 against England after she was snubbed for the 2019 World Cup by head coach Noeline Taurua.
Nweke later represented New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as they settled for bronze.
A year later, she was voted Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Netball Quad Series as she helped her side to finish second while also finishing as the top scorer with 166 goals.
She is also a two-time champion of the ANZ premiership, with Northern Mystics winning the title in 2021 and 2023.
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