Q&A with SA FAST5 Men Captain Vukile Zulu

Ahead of the 2024 FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch, we caught up with SA FAST5 Men’s captain, Vukile Zulu. This will be the second time South Africa’s Men’s FAST5 team competes in the series, and the stakes are high as they prepare to face the powerhouse teams from Australia and New Zealand once again. With New Zealand having claimed the men’s title the past two years, Zulu and his squad are eager to make their mark and show just how far they’ve come. Read on as he shares his thoughts on the challenges ahead, team preparation, and what it means to represent South Africa on the world stage.

Returning as captain in 2024, how do you feel about leading this slightly new side?
I’m honoured and excited to lead this talented group again, thanks to the management team for believing in us to lead once again. Personally, this boosts my confidence as a leader, and I’m confident that together we’ll achieve great things.

What lessons did you learn last year, and what aspects have worked well thus far?
FAST5 is a “Fast Fun Game”, last year taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, we faced unexpected challenges but the boys’ ability to adjust and support each other was crucial. FAST5 requires a number of turnovers and a high conversion rate in order to win the game. So this time around we’ve focused on communication and knowing how to execute the plan and strategy given by the coaches.

You have some exciting new players in the 2024 squad. What are your expectations for what they can bring to the series this year?
Yeah we’ve got some exciting individuals with international experience, which I feel will work hand in hand with us that have FAST5 experience. So I’m just looking forward to seeing them make meaningful contributions to the team.

With the experience gained from last year, what are you looking forward to achieving in 2024’s FAST5 Netball World Series?
Last year’s experience has prepared us for the intensity and competitiveness of the FAST5 series. So this year, we wanna sing our National Anthem in the final, and I’m confident that our teamwork and strategy will bring positive results. We are ready to give our all and make our country proud.

With men’s netball reaching new heights this year, what message do you have for the fans?
I would love to thank Netball South Africa led by President Cecilia Molokwane, for the great work they have done for Men’s Netball in our country, we really appreciate it. To our incredible fans, thank you very much for the support you gave us last year. Your energy this year will drive us to push more and even motivate other young male players out there to never give up. Keep believing in us, and we’ll definitely give our all on the court. Wear your colours to show support.

Thank you Vukile for sharing your insights. Best of luck to you and all the SA FAST5 teams, as you head into the FAST5 Netball World Series in New Zealand.

The SA Teams

• Females: Rolene Streukter (GS); Zandré Smit (GS); Kamogelo Maseko (GA); Lefébre Rademan (GA); Shannen Bartlett (C); Amber Coraizin (C); Sanmarie Visser (GD); Boitumelo Mahloko (GD); Ané Retief (GK); Syntiche Kabuya (GK)
• Non-travellers: Tarle Mathe (C); Nicholé Taljaard (GA)
• Team Management: Martha Mosoahle-Samm (Head Coach); Erin Burger (Assistant Coach); Tholakele Nsele (Manager); Narita du Toit (Physio)
• Males: William Lethoko (GS); Shane Labuschagne (GS/GA; Eugene Sinxesi (GA/GS); Fred Damons (GA/C); Sibongakonke Vava (C/GA); Itumeleng Mohanoe (C); Njabulo Nekhavhambe (GD); Sicelo Gamede (GD/GK); Edward Manyathela GK/GD; Vukile Zulu (GK)
• Non-travellers: Lutendo Maiwashe (GS); Gavin Peters (C)
• Team Management: Neville Chapepa (Head Coach); Themba Ntuli (Assistant Coach); Olian Thobejane (Team Manager); Matome Seroto (Physio)

Fixtures LIVE (SA Time)
9 November 2024

10 November 2024

Repeat Times On SuperSport (SA Time)
9 November 2024

10 November 2024

Learn more about the FAST5 Netball World Series

*Schedule subject to change at short notice.

Some Quick FAST5 Rules
NEW RULE Possession: Once the ball has progressed out of one-third of the court (towards the attacking team’s scoring end], it cannot be passed backwards into that third again.

NEW RULE Power Play: The last 2 minutes of playing time in each quarter is designated as the Power Play Period for both teams. During the ‘Power Play Period, only 2 and 3 goal point shots are doubled in value. 1 goal point shots remain 1 point during this time.

Substitutions: FAST5 includes rolling substitutions, which means a change can be made at any stage of the game, during breaks or during play.

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 1^st and 3^rd quarters or 2^nd and 4^th 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 one-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