Netball is a popular sport in Africa, with numerous talented teams competing at both the local and international levels. As we approach the end of 2023, it’s fascinating to speculate on which teams will emerge as the top contenders on the continent. In this article, we will dive into the top 10 netball teams in Africa for 2023, highlighting their achievements, skills, and potential.
Check Also: NETBALL WORLD RANKING:
COUNTRYAFRICAN RANKINGGLOBAL RANKINGRATINGSouth Africa1st5th153Malawi2nd6th129Uganda3rd7th124Zimbabwe4th13th84Zambia5th15th74Namibia6th22nd55Botswana7th23rd54Kenya8th32nd29Tanzania9th38th05
Criteria for Ranking
To determine the top 10 netball teams in Africa for 2023, several key factors have been taken into consideration. These criteria include:
Performance in Recent Tournaments: The teams’ performance in the most recent netball tournaments, such as the Netball Africa Championship and other regional competitions, will play a significant role in their ranking.
International Rankings: The positions of the teams in the International Netball Federation (INF) rankings will also be considered. This measure takes into account performance in both regional and international tournaments.
Player Skill and Quality: The overall skill and quality of the players within each team will be evaluated. This includes individual talent, teamwork, and the dedication and drive of players to excel in the sport.
Achievements and Trophies: The number of trophies and achievements won by each team in recent years, including championships, league titles, and other significant honors, will also be taken into account.
Consistency and Development: Consistency in performance over the years, as well as the team’s development and commitment to improving their game, will be crucial in determining their ranking.
1. South Africa
South Africa’s netball team, the Proteas, has been a force to be reckoned with on the African continent. They have consistently performed well in various tournaments and have climbed up the INF rankings in recent years. With a strong and talented lineup, including star players such as Karla Pretorius and Lenize Potgieter, South Africa is expected to maintain its dominance in African netball in 2024 as well.
2. Malawi
Malawi’s netball team, known as the Queens, has a rich history in African netball. They have consistently demonstrated their skill and have secured several podium finishes in international competitions. Malawi is steadily rising through the ranks, currently sitting at 6th globally in netball. With experienced players such as Mwai Kumwenda and Joyce Mvula in their ranks, Malawi is expected to continue performing well in 2024.
3. Uganda
What makes Uganda (7th globally) a formidable netball team in Africa? Uganda’s netball team has consistently performed well in the African Netball Association competitions, earning their spot as the 7th best team globally.
She Cranes have shown remarkable improvement in recent years and have become serious contenders in African netball. With a team that has demonstrated great teamwork and skill; they have secured impressive victories against high-ranking teams.
4. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe (13th globally) may not be in the top 10, but they’ve shown great potential in the world of netball. As one of the top netball teams in Africa in 2023, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in recent years. Their strong performances have caught the attention of netball enthusiasts worldwide. With promising talent coming through the ranks, Zimbabwe has the potential to climb even higher in the rankings in 2024.
5. Zambia
You may be surprised to learn that Zambia, ranked 15th globally, has made impressive strides in the world of netball. In the African netball rankings, Zambia is currently one of the top 10 teams in Africa sitting in 5th place. Their dedication and hard work have paid off, allowing them to compete at a high level on the international stage.
Zambia’s netball team has shown tremendous growth and potential. They have displayed impressive performances in regional tournaments and have consistently challenged higher-ranked teams.
6. Namibia
Namibia, ranked 22nd in world netball ranking globally, has steadily improved in netball and has become a formidable team in Africa. In terms of netball rankings in Africa, Namibia has made significant strides in recent years. Namibia’s netball team has displayed tenacity and skill in their performances.
They have consistently competed in African netball competitions and have showcased their determination to grow as a team. With continued development and support, Namibia has the potential to rise through the ranks in 2024.
7. Botswana
Botswana ranked 23rd globally, is making significant progress in netball and is emerging as a strong contender in the African netball scene. The Botswana netball team has shown great improvement in recent years, both in terms of skill and performance.
They’ve been consistently participating in international tournaments and have demonstrated their potential to compete against some of the top teams in the world.
8. Kenya
Kenya’s ranking in netball is determined by various factors, including their performance in international tournaments and their overall team strength. While Kenya has a strong netball tradition and a dedicated team, it faces tough competition from other countries with more established netball programs.
However, Kenya has made significant progress in recent years and continues to develop their players and infrastructure to improve their ranking on the global stage.
9. Tanzania
Currently ranked 38th globally, Tanzania has been steadily improving its performance in recent years. With dedicated training programs and increased investment in infrastructure, Tanzania’s netball team has been able to compete against stronger opponents and make a mark in international tournaments.
Tanzania’s Taifa Queens have shown consistent improvement and have gained valuable experience in African netball. While they may not have achieved the same level of success as some of the top-ranked teams, Tanzania has the potential to surprise opponents and make a mark in the upcoming years.
People Also Ask
Which is the best netball team in Africa?
South Africa’s national women’s netball team is currently the best netball team in Africa, they are also the top-ranked African team in the INF world netball ranking for the year 2023, with 153 rating points.
What Are the Current Rankings of the Netball Teams in Africa?
The current rankings of the netball teams in Africa are
1. South Africa
2. Malawi
3. Uganda
4. Zimbabwe
5. Zambia
6. Namibia
7. Botswana
8. Kenya
9. Tanzania
Which African Country Has the Highest Ranking in Netball Globally?
The African country with the highest ranking in netball globally is South Africa, they are the 5th ranked team in world netball ranking in 2023.
Why is netball popular in Africa?
Netball was introduced to many African countries during the colonial period, and it became a popular sport in schools and communities. Its roots in the colonial education system contributed to its initial popularity.
Final Thoughts
The top 10 netball teams in Africa for 2023 are poised to bring exciting and competitive matches to the netball world. South Africa, Uganda, and Malawi remain the top contenders, but other teams such as Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia are steadily closing the gap. With talented athletes, consistent growth, and a passion for the sport, these teams have the potential to leave a lasting impact on African netball.
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