Following yesterday’s tropical storm induced delay, the 2023 IWBF U25 Women’s World Championship finally tipped off in the Thai capital, Bangkok with the South African’s first in action against Canada.
The youthful South African team led by National Teams Coach, Trooper Johnson are the only African side at the 10-team global showpiece which is the pinnacle of the women’s game.
The Sasol-sponsored AmaWheelaGirls, as they are affectionately known, started off brightly against the highly fancied Canadians with Asive Gilifile in particular causing great discomfort for the Canadians with her accuracy. However, it would be the Canadians that would go into the halftime break 23-12 up with their experience shining through.
Following a much-needed halftime team talk, the South Africans came back energised and upped the tempo in the second initially before fading and allowing the Canadians to stretch their lead and eventually close out the encounter 50 -24.
“The scoreboard was not a true reflection of the game, this was our best performance in a very long time. We looked to play for each other, so this is a step in the right direction for the team”, said Coach Trooper Johnson.
The South Africans will rue their missed chances but take very valuable lessons from this encounter as they look ahead to more games at the tournament where they are determined to do themselves and the country proud.
The South Africans will play their second match tomorrow, Thursday, 5 October against hosts, Thailand in a must win encounter if they are to make it to the Quarter Finals.
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