By GARY LEMKE
As Team South Africa continues to strive for success at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago, the country’s sportswomen continue to make a big impression on the global stage.
The SASCOC president, Barry Hendricks (pictured), has added his voice to those who are applauding the efforts of the Proteas at the Netball World Cup and Banyana Banyana at the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
“What we are seeing here at the Commonwealth Youth Games is a snapshot into the future. Here are tomorrow’s stars, and many of them will become household names. Which is what the SPAR Proteas and Banyana Banyana are.
“I would like to, on behalf of all at the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, extend my congratulations to the netballers and footballers. Cape Town is hosting the Netball World Cup where the Proteas have finished sixth, but in doing so they gave of their best and fought to the end,” Hendricks said.
“And as for Banyana Banyana, mere words don’t do them justice. We were at the Commonwealth Games this time in Birmingham last year when they won the women’s Afcon trophy and we were all glued to the TV watching them. Now, at the World Cup they reached the last 16 for the first time in the country’s history, pushing world No3 Sweden all the way, and then bowing out to the Netherlands in their knockout game. I think the telling aspect of this game is that the Dutch goalkeeper was awarded player of the match.
“Congratulations to coach Desiree Ellis and your management and team on achieving what you did. You have made us very proud and provided even more inspiration here for our Team SA athletes to also make the country proud here at the Commonwealth Youth Games.”