Jeanie Steyn is back as captain for a second outing at the FAST5 Netball World Series. The team won a silver medal at the 2022 World Series and will be looking to go one step further and win the competition in 2023. The world’s top six ranked teams – Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, England, South Africa, and Malawi – have been invited to compete in the shortened form of the game from 11-12 November 2023.
Returning as the captain in 2023, how do you feel about leading this slightly new side?
I feel honoured leading this side again. Having three players that have played on this platform before really helps. This team is low maintenance and very energetic so the task is simple and the goals are clear. Every team member knows what are expected of them but we are also not afraid to have a bit of fun on the side.
The team won silver in 2022. What lessons did you learn last year, and what aspects worked well in 2022?
It is obviously a vey fast game so when you hit the court you have to be switched on immediately. Every second and each step counts. If you as a defender is caught one step in the wrong position it means that you will be chasing all the way to the post. We have seen that it is a shooter’s and rebound game. One shot in poweplay can put you in the lead after a five point trail. Getting the rebound as a defender is like your intercept since intercept opportunities happen far and in between in this speedy game.
You have some exciting new players in the 2023 squad. What are your expectations for what they can bring to the series this year?
Our new players have a high work rate and they are very resilient. We have some new shooters who can chase a high goal percentage from the far ranges. This group is very eager to play and they understand that FAST5 is a complete team effort every player will contribute to the success of the team.
With the experience gained from last year, what are you looking forward to achieving in 2023’s FAST5 Netball World Series?
Last year we have raised the bar for ourselves which was great for the team’s self believe. This year we want to uphold the standard and reach the final again where we aim to compete for that gold medal.
With netball reaching new heights this year, what message do you have for the fans?
Netball has proved to be extremely competitive. It is the showcase of speed, explosiveness and skill. FAST5 is one of the most entertaining games to watch, it will have you on the edge of your seat or jumping up and down. Thank you for your support and please continue as we kick-off, or in netball terms, ‘shoot-off’ this year’s FAST5 World Series.
South Africa’s FAST5 Women’s Squad:
Zandré Smit, Amber Coraizin, Nozipho Ntshangase, Jeanie Steyn (C), Sian Moore, Nomfundo Mngomezulu, Shannen Bartlett (VC), Danielle Van Nieuwenhuysen, Tinita Van Dyk and Ané Retief.
Non-Traveling: Chantelle Swart, Didintle Keebine
Martha Mosoahle-Samm (Head Coach)
Erin Burger (Assistant Coach)
Tholakele Nsele (Team Manager)
Narita du Toit (Physiotherapist)
The FAST5 Netball World Series will be broadcast 11-12 November 2023 LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209) from 01:15 on 11 November and 00:45 12 November. All times CAT.
*South Africa’s Women’s and Men’s FAST5 matches
| 11-Nov-2023 | England vs South Africa | 03:00 CAT |
| 11-Nov-2023 | Men: Australia vs South Africa | 03:45 CAT |
| 11-Nov-2023 | South Africa vs Australia | 05:15 CAT |
| 11-Nov-2023 | South Africa vs Jamaica | 07:45 CAT |
| 12-Nov-2023 | New Zealand vs South Africa | 02:30 CAT |
| 12-Nov-2023 | Men: New Zealand vs South Africa | 03:15 CAT |
| 12-Nov-2023 | Malawi vs South Africa | 05:30 CAT |
| 12-Nov-2023 | Men Final | 06:30 CAT |
| 12-Nov-2023 | 5th/6th Place Play-off | 07:20 CAT |
| 12-Nov-2023 | 3rd/4th Place Play-off | 08:10 CAT |
| 12-Nov-2023 | Final | 09:00 CAT |
*Schedule subject to change at short notice.
Some quick rules
Substitutions: FAST5 includes rolling substitutions, which means a change can be made at any stage of the game, during breaks or during play.
Power Play: The last 90 seconds of playing time in each quarter is designated as the ‘Power Play Period’ for both teams. During the ‘Power Play Period’ all goals scored a doubled.
Centre Passes: All centre passes will be taken by the team that did not score the last goal. The coin toss at the start of the game determine which team takes the first centre pass in each quarter. The coin toss winner: Chooses the centre pass in either the 1st and 3rd quarters or 2nd and 4th quarters. The coin toss loser: Takes the first centre pass in the quarters not chosen by the winning team.
Goal Scoring: There are three different scoring zones in FAST5. Inner circle (3,5m) for 1 point. Outer circle (3,5m-4,9m) for 2 points. Goal third for the Super Shot 3 points.
Timing: Four six-minute quarters with a four-minute interval at halftime and two-minute intervals after the first and third quarters.
The Team: In FAST5 there’s only five playing positions with two shooters (GS and GA), two defenders (GK and GD) and one midcourter (C).
Photo credit: Michael Bradley Photography
