When the 2023 Netball World Cup wraps, the focus will shift to the World Indoor Netball Association (WINA) Action Netball Tri-Series World Cup in Brisbane Australia from 12 to 19 August with eight teams representing the SA Indoor Netball Federation.   A total of 100 players was selected during the inter-provincial tournament in March 2023 to represent South Africa Down Under as part of the u/19 ladies, u19 mixed, u/23 ladies, u/23 mixed, ladies 30, ladies, men’s, and open mixed teams.

The Tri-Nations competition was launched in 2000 at the Atterbury Action sports arena in Pretoria and takes place every three years on a rotational basis with South Africa, New Zealand and Australia competing. 

The 2023 SA ladies’ team have big shoes to fill as they are the defending world champions of the sevens tournament and runners-up in the six-a-side competition, while the men’s and mixed teams finished third.

Each of the teams has ten players, seven on court and three rotating bench players. The South African Indoor Netball Ladies team has seven Western Province members and three Gauteng players. The seven Western Province ladies have been undefeated for the past two years in their action arena local league as well as on tour representing Western Province in the inter-provincial tournament (IPT) taking gold in 6’s and gold in 7’s. 

According to SA tour manager Hazel Coertze, action netball as a sport is not supported by the South African national department of Sport and Culture and the players therefore must pay their own way with the cost per player amounting to R65 000. “The players have shown great commitment in their fund-raising efforts and are practicing hard.  We are super excited that leading sock manufacturer FALKE South Africa has put their support behind the team and their donation is much appreciated.”

Tanya Pictor, marketing lead FALKE South Africa, mentions that each team member and supporting staff will be sponsored with three pairs of custom-made FALKE netball socks. “As a brand FALKE is passionate about commitment and performance. We have been extremely impressed by the team’s track record and tenacity. We hope that they will put their best feet forward in these special edition Tri-Nation netball socks sporting the South African flag. We wish them the best of luck for the tournament.”

The technically advanced netball sock is engineered to improve performance with wide rib cuff for comfort, stability, and support as well as arch support for added comfort and a fine toe seem to aid prevention of blisters. In-shoe grip technology, arch support and cushioning improves grip and comfort, while mesh panels maximise breathability and keep feet cool. Seamless toe construction aids blister prevention.

Excellent moisture management properties transport the moisture away from the skin keeping the feet drier for longer and combined with the breathable knitted structure feet stay cooler.  BCool recycled polyester performance technology keeps feet and the planet cool.  Recycled fibres are spun into a yarn with a high degree of abrasion resistance along with an unrivalled degree of comfort and cushioning for the wearer.  Socks are size specific and available in size 4-7 and 8-12 from leading sport outlets and online.

Since 1895, the FALKE brand has been built on superlative quality and commitment to excellence.  FALKE South Africa is a proud subsidiary of the German-based global textile giant and has been crafting socks and legwear of exquisite quality and design for more than four decades.

For more information, visit www.falke.co.za or follow us on Facebook/Twitter @FalkeSA or @falke_sa on Instagram.

Follow the build-up and tournament via https://www.facebook.com/Action.Netball.