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Forbes more content with exposure
October 15, 2024
WITH seven debutantes in the 10-member squad, Jamaica will be banking on their best youth talent to secure the country's first gold medal at the FAST5 netball tournament set for November 9-10 in New Zealand.
Simone Forbes, vice-president at Netball Jamaica, stated that though there are seven debutantes in the squad, the primary focus is giving the youngsters the opportunity of getting international matches under their belt.
"Fast5 is generally used to give our youngsters a taste of what international netball is all about. For the past couple of years that's what we've been using it for and this year is no different. This is a new team and we decided that regardless of the end result, the focus is around giving them the opportunity to play international games," she stated.
Jamaica's team includes Amanda Pinckney, Cornelia Walters, Kestina Sturridge, Kimone Shaw, Paula-Ann Burton, Roxanna McLean, Shadine Bartley, Simone Gordon, Tiffaney Langley and Zaudi Green.
According to Forbes, Jamaica, similar to the other four participating countries - New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Uganda - have a legitimate shot at securing the ultimate prize.
"I do believe that they're going to do an incredible job. The top six countries primarily use it for this purpose (exposure). Therefore, I believe we have a chance like any other team to do well and come out on top," Forbes suggested.
At the 2023 staging Jamaica finished fifth. With less than a month to go before tip-off, co-coaches Nardia Hansen and Dalton Hines conducted their latest training session on Friday night against the men's national team. The pre-tournament preparation, according to Forbes, is going well as she believes the team will put on a show in New Zealand next month.
"They've been preparing well and I believe they'll learn from the experience and be proud of what it is that they bring home. I know they can win but at the end of the day it's about the experience that they get. Once they do their best, that's good enough," she stated.
