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Beckford confident of a podium finish for Sunshine Girls
July 14, 2023
In her 10th year as a national senior netball team member, Shanice Beckford is enjoying the journey but recognising the demands of what being a veteran requires. Now she is targeting a major victory on that journey to maximise the potential of what she thinks is the best team she will play with at the Netball World Cup.
The local-based delegation leaves the island on Friday for South Africa for the tournament, which begins in two weeks.
Seeking their first podium finish since 2007, Beckford, who made her debut in 2013, said she has since changed, not only in the team but in the style of play in the last year, and believes that the characteristics of this group give them the best chance of achieving that goal.
"We have had best netball championship teams before going into the Commonwealth Games, but I think there is something special about this group. It is mixed with older players, younger players coming in, and we are playing structured netball," Beckford told STAR Sports.
"We are more patient. You could see it at the Commonwealth Games (last year). We were more consistent. We had fewer penalties, so that was good for us. We can't wait to see what we will do in the world championships. I know there is a lot of anxiety and excitement, but we are up for the task ahead. We can't wait to see what will happen."
The Sunshine Girls record their best-ever finish at the Commonwealth Games last August with a silver medal.
Now one of the senior members in the ranks and heading to another Netball World Cup, Beckford said that while the demands are high, she is grateful for the journey she has taken and is ready to take on the level of responsibility to help the Sunshine Girls win.
"I love the journey. I love the growth. You can see where I started in 2013 to now and it shows in my game. It is going to be a lot of pressure. A lot of pressure is on me, but I am up to the task," Beckford said.
After a disappointing finish in 2019 and given the talent on display this year, Beckford is adamant that going to the final is a goal well within reach.
"We are going to be in that final. The chances are high. There are a lot of expectations, but I think we will do the necessary work to get into that final. Anything is possible," Beckford said.
