Fowler sees possibility of Netball World Cup title

Sunshine Girls captain Jhaniele Fowler believes mental fortitude will be critical to the chances of a maiden world title at this year's Netball World Cup, after a year in which they had their highest-ever placing at the Commonwealth Games.

The Sunshine Girls will depart the island today in preparation for their three-match series against England, which begins next week in Manchester. The majority of the squad is comprised of the team that finished second at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year, with some youthful additions.

On the back of that historic run, Fowler says that a title challenge is possible, provided they are in the proper frame of mind to execute, something that they hope to cultivate in their series against England.

"That is one of the biggest things we have to focus on to make sure our mentality is in the right place and physically we are preparing well. The skills are coming on really well so I am really pleased with where we are at the moment," Fowler said. "There is a lot of room for improvement so we are looking forward to making this series an (opportunity) for improvement and moving on when we get back into training (after the tour)."

Fowler is pleased with how the younger players have transitioned to the senior team, with some having participated in competitions in the latter part of last year, including the Netball World Cup, regional qualifiers in Kingston as well as the Fast Five series, something that she believes will help their chemistry as the fight for roster places intensifies.

"The integration has been seamless. These young girls have been with us for a little bit now. They know our way. They are bringing themselves into the bunch and they are making sure that we are gelling and working together," Fowler said.

Jamaica's group for the Netball World Cup will consist of Wales, Sri Lanka and hosts South Africa, a group that Fowler says Jamaica will not take for granted.

"It is always going to be difficult but we are just going to play to the best of our ability and ensure that when we go out there that we are dominating," Fowler said.