[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Owethu Ngubane became the latest University of Johannesburg (UJ) youngster to make her first appearance for South Africa’s SPAR Proteas in the 2023 Netball Quad Series on Tuesday, 24 January 2023. She made her debut in the last round robin match against Australia in Cape Town.

Although she is no stranger to international netball, Ngubane is among the young netball players added to the senior squad alongside Nomfundo Mngomezulu and Boitumelo Mahloko who are also UJ student-athletes. Ngubane won a silver medal with the SA FAST 5 team in 2022. In the national netball team, the three are playing alongside their UJ Netball Club Coach and Manager, Bongiwe Msomi, who captains SPAR Proteas.

Owethu Ngubane In 2023 Netball Quad Series.Photo: Netball South Africa

“Thank you to my family, the fans and everyone who came here to support us. I am very excited to play my first senior match with the SPAR Proteas though the outcome was not what we had aimed for against Australia,” said Ngubane.

Hosts South Africa made it to the 3^rd/4^th playoffs after losing 65-48 against the Aussies proceed to take on the New Zealanders in the final. The Australians won the 2023 Netball Quad Series with a 56-50 final score against New Zealand.

Prior to the SA-Australia game, South Africa drew 46-46 against England in a nail-biting encounter. Despite playing without Phumza Maweni after her dismissal in the last quarter, South Africa’s Lenize Potgieter was composed enough to slot in the final shot of the game to secure the draw. England met South Africa again in the 3^rd/4^th playoff, winning the bronze medal by 49-42 final score.

The 2023 Quad Series (21-25 January 2023) presented an opportunity for the teams to make final preparations for the upcoming Netball World Cup that will be organised Cape Town in July and August this year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]