Host side preparing for tough six nations battle
Netball Singapore today announced the final 12 players that will represent the country at the 2009 Nations Cup which begins on 6th December at Toa Payoh Sports Hall.
The six-day event pits Singapore against Canada, Malaysia, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Tanzania in a round-robin format, followed by the finals on 12th December.
The selected team is one of experience and youth with 6 players having been part of the previous three editions of this event. Returning to the team after a period of absence are Pearline Chan, Premila Hirubalan and Vanessa Lee. The three players have a huge amount of experience between them, having represented Singapore at previous World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the Asian Championships.
Guiding the girls through their campaign is recently appointed Coach for the Nations Cup, Jill McIntosh from Australia. Jill has been an advisor to Netball Singapore since 2004 and has watched many of the players develop over the years. Her international expertise and local knowledge provides the team with a wealth of ammunition to use in their final preparations and match day tactics.
“I have been training with the squad for over two weeks now for the Nations Cup 2009 and I am very happy with the work rate and progress we are making. The Nations Cup will be a tough challenge but the girls are looking forward to the competition and if we work hard for each other and stay focused on each game then there is no reason why we cannot challenge for one of the top spots on the final day,” McIntosh said.
Captaining the host team this year will be Jean Ng, who has been part of the national side since 1995 and has competed at two World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and four Asian Championships. She said. “I am delighted to have been chosen as captain for the Nations Cup next week and I hope I can lead the girls through a very successful and enjoyable competition. We have been training really hard for the past few months for this and want to make sure we do our best and make our supporters proud.
“Our matches will be very tough and there are a lot of different playing styles for us to contend with from the range of countries taking part this year but this is great experience for us ahead of the World Netball Championships in 2011.”
The visiting five nations will arrive from Friday 4th December and have a few days to train and adjust to the conditions before facing off in the opening matches on Sunday 6th December. Canada is making their third appearance while Scotland and Northern Ireland return for their second trip. Malaysia and late entrant Tanzania will be making their debuts, with the African nation an unknown entity having not yet earned a world ranking as they have played insufficient international games, but where netball is hugely popular.
Coach McIntosh concluded, “It is great to see so many of the experienced players still playing such a pivotal role in the Singapore squad and they are helping the younger girls grow in confidence. The mix of youth and experience will be important in our tough matches when composure and key tactics are vital. This competition will give us a good indication of where we rank amongst these other nations and what we need to work on looking at the long term plan for the World Championships in 2011.”
Tickets for the Nations Cup are on sale now from Netball Singapore and the six days of netballing action is set to raise the roof at Toa Payoh Sports Hall as fans get behind the host nation in their bid to lift the Nations Cup trophy for the third occasion.
Singapore National Team
Players:
Capt Jean Ng (Captain)
Lin Qingyi (Co-Vice Captain)
Chen Huifen (Co-Vice Captain)
Chan Pearline
Premila Hirubalan
Vanessa Marie Lee
Li Huilin
Li Ling
Tan Hui Yan
Melody Teo
Yeo Pei Qin
Rachel Yim
Coach: Jill McIntosh
Assistant Coach: Noraida Abdul Malik
Team Manager: Rose Begum
Physiotherapist: Simon Raftery
