Organizers of the 2023 Netball World Cup held in Cape Town, Africa, will reflect on missed opportunities for what should have been a groundbreaking event for African netball. Safety concerns and ticket issues marred the tournament, preventing it from reaching its full potential.
Even before the opening whistle, problems arose with Jamaican player Jhaniele Fowler claiming she was robbed, and attempts were made to break into her hotel room. Teammate Shamera Sterling expressed fears for her safety and wanted to leave Cape Town before the tournament even began. While no other teams reported issues publicly, such incidents garnered unwanted attention and overshadowed the event’s anticipation.
Ticket costs also faced heavy scrutiny, with prices set by World Netball. The pricing was beyond the reach of most South Africans, and despite early matches being played in front of near-empty stadiums, organizers refused to lower prices. News outlets reported that ticket prices escalated as the tournament progressed, particularly for in-demand South African games. However, the final match at the 5000-seat main court of the International Convention Centre was officially sold out.
The timing of the Netball World Cup was unfortunate for the Silver Ferns from New Zealand, as it coincided with the Fifa Women’s World Cup and two Bledisloe Cup rugby tests. The media attention was divided, and the time zone made it difficult for viewership, especially for matches held late at night or early in the morning.
Considering future editions of the tournament, it may be necessary to evaluate the format. The prevalence of blowout scorelines, especially in the early stages, has been an ongoing issue in the Netball World Cup. To maintain interest and improve competitiveness, efforts should focus on bridging the gap between the top teams, such as Australia, New Zealand, England, Jamaica, and South Africa, and the rest of the participating nations. Uganda has demonstrated significant progress in the sport and can serve as an example for other nations.
One alternative format suggestion could involve teams playing in the group stage, followed by quarterfinals, which hasn’t been implemented before. The current format includes a second stage where teams compete before the top two from each group progress to the semifinals.
Reflecting on the 2023 Netball World Cup, organizers must acknowledge the missed opportunities and address the safety concerns and ticket issues that plagued the event. By making necessary improvements and adjustments, future editions can truly capitalize on the full potential of netball. The goal should be to further grow the sport, narrow the gap between teams, and deliver an exceptional experience for both players and fans worldwide.
