Hazel Gumede proud of Netball Proteas but concerned with succession plan

Africa, may not have had a representative in the final four, following South Africa’s sixth-place finish, just behind Uganda, but Gumede, who retired three decades ago, believes there have been great strides made by people of colour in the sport.

"It made me proud when they drew with New Zealand and the way they played against all these other countries because now the competition is so tough. That even Kenya is now a competition. Malawi is a competition, we see Zimbabwe coming in, which was so exciting especially since were hosting," Gumede said.

"We saw more of African countries because before it was only three. It will be Botswana, South Africa and Malawi but now look at what is happening and look at Jamaica. You know Jamaica came with a bang and they are there, they were owning their space."

However, the formidable goal shooter is concerned about the team’s succession plan, as captain Bongi Msomi (35) and Phumza Maweni (39), played their final World Cups. Gumede hopes Boitumelo Mahloko, who is studying at the University of Johannesburg where Msomi coaches as well as playing for the Golden Fireballs in the Telkom Netball League, will pick up the baton.

"My worry is what happens when Bongi stops playing, Phumza stops playing. So, now we have to start all over again. With Telkom, I'm sure we have plenty of those [players].

There's this girl from Limpopo, you know when she started, she reminded me of uSindi Gumede because she was not stable when she started and being a girl from KZN, you know she didn't believe in herself but she ended up being the world's best. So, this girl, I see her going places."