Netball Superleague: Bongiwe Msomi arrives at Surrey Storm
Monday 16 March 2015 11:17, UK
Player-coach Tamsin Greenway has confirmed that Bongiwe Msomi will be included in Surrey Storm's squad for their top of the table tie with Netball Superleague rivals Manchester Thunder on Saturday.
The South African midcourter arrived in England this week and will complete Storm's 15-strong squad for their crucial match this weekend.
Msomi was named in the final squad before the season started, but has been waiting for confirmation of visa and sponsorship, which delayed her arrival.
The 27-year-old was part of South Africa's Commonwealth Games squad at Glasgow 2014.
Greenway told Sky Netball that the C/WA will be a valuable asset to her already strong side.
"I saw her playing at the Commonwealth Games and that's when I first approached her," said England Wing Attack Greenway, "that's how long it's been going on.
"She's such a dynamic player. What I loved about her was that she offered something completely different - really quick, nippy and defensively strong - she'll actually go in for a challenge and what I loved was that she could feed Chrisna Bootha, who's a really tall, strong shooter very similar to Rachel Dunn.
"Originally when I approached Bongiwe I knew Becky Trippick was pregnant and wasn't going to be playing for us which left a big hole in the Center position.
"We obviously brought in Mikki Austin and Laurelle Borck which was brilliant for us, but those chats had always been going on with Bongiwe.
"For me having another option at Centre and Wing Attack is amazing.
"You can't underestimate having an international standard player coming into your side and she'll be really hungry.
"She's really excited about coming in and so are we."
Greenway's Storm sit second in the Netball Superleague table after round seven, just behind their opponents this weekend, Manchester Thunder.
"It's a big game as always," said Greenway of the replay of last year's Grand Final. "I imagine it will be close and I hope it is close for the spectators.
"I'm not expecting the sides to give too much away. Both teams will try and get combinations on there as well and hopefully save it for the big occasions like the semi-finals and finals."
