The Free State caught a glimpse of the coveted Netball World Cup trophy during the trophy tour held from 13 to 18 June.
This formed part of the official countdown to the hosting of the tournament in Cape Town from 28 July to 6 August.
Eventful programmes showcasing the sought-after Netball World Cup trophy were held across six towns in the province: Bloemfontein, Koffiefontein, Qwaqwa, Bethlehem, Welkom and Kroonstad.
This paves the way for the 2023 world tournament staged for the first time ever in South Africa, and on the African continent.
All the matches will be staged in Cape Town, given the number of competing countries. Only 16 countries will be competing.
Possible countries that could have played host to the tournament are South Africa, Australia, Barbados, England, Fiji, Jamaica, Malawi, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tonga,Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, Wales and Zimbabwe.
After a successful bid in 2019 to host this prestigious event, the baton was handed over to Cecilia Molokwane, president of Netball South Africa, at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool in the same year.
The unveiling of the official new logo this month further paved the way.
“The hosting of the Netball World Cup should serve as an indicator of the ability of our country to host global sporting tournaments of such stature,” said Limakatso Mahasa, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
“As the country hosts this sporting event, we call on all our citizens in wishing our national netball team all the best in this tournament.
“As we did during the Fifa World Cup, the Rugby World Cup and all other tournaments, let us rally behind our national netball team to motivate them to win yet another international trophy on our soil.”
South Africa has become renowned for hosting world-class events, and Cape Town, also known as the Mother City, has rightly earned the title of “World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination”.
Official tickets to the Netball World Cup are already on sale and can only be purchased through the Netball World Cup website at nwc2023.org.za.
Ticket prices start at R500, and are classified in various categories.
