Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane is confident the country will stage one of the best World Cups ever.

South Africa welcomes the world for the global competition, which runs from 28 July to 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Since its inception over 60 years ago, this is the first time the competition will be hosted on African soil.

Sixteen countries from around the world will be vying for the crown, hoping to dethrone New Zealand, who has won the competition five times. Africa is represented by South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Uganda.

With four months left before the kick-off, Molokwane said it was all system go.

“I think after we launched the official kit last week, [we realised] that the World Cup is really coming. People will now believe we are about to stage the historic event in our country,” said the elated Molokwane.

“This year we have already hosted a very successful quad series. The preparations for the World Cup are on track. We have to credit the organising team for their wonderful work.”

South Africa are training at Stellenbosch University.

The team is ranked 5th and in Pool C will face Wales, Sri Lanka and world number 4, Jamaica, in Pool C.

“We have experience of the world stage now. Our players are exposed to international competition and we are not far behind the major countries like New Zealand, Australia and England,” Molokwane said.

“We want to do better than at the previous tournament. I’m positive we have a group of talented players to make that dream happen. I’m very confident we will have the crowd to back us all the way.”

Ticket prices start at R500, and are classified in gold, silver, and bronze categories.

Picture above: Cecilia Molokwane

Image source: Supplied