100% Netball with Elize Kotze

Tonight, South Africa opens its Commonwealth Games campaign against Malawi, and in my opinion, this will always be one of the big battles of Africa and is one of the most exciting opening fixtures of the tournament.

As both a player and a coach, I always found Malawi to be one of the most difficult teams to prepare for. They play with incredible instinct. Their attack is unorthodox, patient, unpredictable. With patience they are prepared to work the ball until the right option presents itself, and they are never afraid to back their natural flair.

Defensively, they are a completely different challenge. Malawi plays a physical, body-on-body style of defence that can disrupt rhythm, frustrate attackers and force errors.

I have absolutely no doubt that the SPAR Proteas have what it takes to win a medal at these Commonwealth Games. I believe this is South Africa's most balanced, experienced and complete squad in many years. The combinations are settled, the leadership is strong, and there is depth across the court.

I also believe Jenny van Dyk and Zanele Mdodana are the right coaching team to take this group to greatness.

Their challenge tonight is not only to beat Malawi, but to stop Malawi from playing the game they want to play.

The appointment of coach Debbie Fuller from New Zealand to the Malawi coaching team? Will Fuller's influence bring more structure, greater discipline and improved tactical organisation while still allowing Malawi to play with the instinctive flair that has always made them such a challenging opponent?

If Malawi can combine their natural creativity with New Zealand's structured approach, they become a quality side with consistency.

Malawi thrives when they can disrupt opponent's rhythm. It can become a bit chaotic.

South Africa must make sure the game is played on their terms.

This is more than an opening match. It is an early statement.

Backing the SPAR PROTEAS all the way.

I'm Elize Kotze, and this is Elize Kotze- Unfiltered—where we leave personalities aside, deal in facts, and talk netball

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