‘I am so proud’

It may not have been the gold that they envisioned, but national netball head coach Connie Francis reflected with pride on how much Jamaica have achieved during this four-year cycle, culminating with their first Netball World Cup podium finish in 16 years.

Jamaica took bronze at the Netball World Cup which concluded on Sunday, their first medal since 2007 after defeating New Zealand 52-45 in the third-place playoff. Australia captured their 12th title after defeating England in the final 61-45.

In the four years since Francis took over the team after their disappointing 2019 campaign, the Sunshine Girls won silver at the Commonwealth Games, their highest-ever finish and now added another medal to the case. Francis said that she was proud of what they achieved in the tournament although they did not reach the gold medal game.

“It has been an extraordinary performance by these young ladies. We came in and gave ourselves a shot. We played each game knowing that we could win the gold. So we tried to manage all players, making sure that all players play here and get good minutes,” Francis told The Gleaner.

It was a run that saw them beat New Zealand twice in the same tournament for the first time and while the road was tough to the final four and they could not see out their semifinal against Australia, she credited the response the team showed on Sunday to ensure they rewarded the country on Independence Day.

“We had a tough draw in that we had to play South Africa, New Zealand and Uganda but that was OK. The girls adjusted to it. The girls went there and put in 110 per cent. Just the last three minutes versus Australia, it didn’t turn out the way we wanted. But nevertheless, we regrouped as a team,” Francis said. “At least this group decided from early that they are not going home without a medal. The only person in this group who had a bronze medal was Romelda Aiken-George. With a great captain in Jhaniele Fowler and a great vice-captain in Shamera Sterling, they led the troops from start to finish. They were going to work very hard to ensure that they and our country got a medal on Independence Day. And I am so proud.”

The win was significant as New Zealand left without a medal for the first time in their history. Since her arrival, Francis’s mantra has been to deliver Jamaica the medal that the country deserved. She has credited the inclusion of assistant coach Rob Wright who has been the architect of Jamaica’s defensive work. While the chase for gold continues, Francis is proud of the accomplishments the team have made four years on from 2019.

“The aim for me, when I came in, was to set myself standards. We have to give Jamaica a better medal and for Commonwealth Games, we did. But the gold just slipped through our fingers. Nevertheless, we have accomplished something as a team and I am very happy that I was able during my tenure to live up to the work that we expect these girls to put out in order for Jamaica to surge forward,” Francis said.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com