Loughborough announce three African players for their 2015 Super League squad
Monday 5 January 2015 17:44, UK
African trio join Loughborough Lightning as their Super League squad is confirmed for 2015.
South Africa captain Maryka Holtzhausen and defender Phumza Maweni and are joined by Ugandan shooter Peace Proscovia as the three imports in the Loughborough Lightning squad for the 2015 Super League season.
Proscovia is a dual international, having represented Uganda in both netball and basketball. The shooter brings plenty of experience to the Loughborough side having helped Uganda qualify for the Netball World Cup for the first time.
Maweni arrives in Loughborough after representing South Africa in the Fast 5 tournament held in New Zealand in November.
Holtzhausen was unveiled by the team last month. The versatile shooter was announced as the first South African international to join Super League.
Lightning Head Coach Karen Atkinson was happy with the way the three had integrated into the squad.
“The girls have been here four days and have integrated well with the rest of the squad,” Atkinson said.
“I am excited by their style of play and how it will enhance the performance of the squad this season.
“Phumza and Peace add some much needed height and range to both attack and defence circles, and Maryka is an intelligent playmaker with quick hands and accuracy of shot”.
Improvement
Loughborough get their 2015 Netball Super League campaign underway when they travel to Yorkshire Jets on the 1st of February.
Regarding the squad announcement as a whole, Atkinson is excited about the players that have been assembled, and hopes for improvement from each individual.
“It is important that this squad improves this season, both in performances on the court, competitiveness in every game and in its win-loss ratio.
“I have been impressed with the Loughborough University students and former Lightning players that have maintained their place in the squad. They have definitely taken a step up during pre-season through their application and intensity in training.
“It was important to bolster this group with new players that have experience, the hunger and competitive drive to play Super League netball and who could offer something different both on and off the court.
“I am excited to get the season started and the challenge of bringing this group of talented players together”.
Loughborough Lightning squad for the 2015 season:
Shooters: Peace Proscovia, Maryka Holtzhausen, Vanessa Walker, Olivia Mason, Flo Edwards.
Mid Court: Rachel Henry, Hannah Joseph, Fran Desmond, Lauren Steadman, Niamh Cooper.
Defenders: Lauren Massey, Rachel Forbes, Rebekah Airey, Sophie Masterson, Phumza Maweni.
