Jamaica unveils Fast5 Netball squad

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

JAMAICA’S SQUAD for the highly anticipated Fast5 Netball World Series in New Zealand has been revealed, with several key players from the Suncorp Super Netball League notably absent.

The team will be without star players such as goalkeeper Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, goal defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney, and goal defender-keeper Latanya Wilson, all of whom have commitments in the Australian league.

The 10-member squad that will carry Jamaica’s hopes are Amanda Pinkney, Cornelia Walters, Kestina Sturridge, Kimone Shaw, Paula-Ann Burton, Roxanna McLean, Shadine Bartley, Simone Gordon, Tiffaney Langley, and Zaudi Green.

The team will be co-coached by Nardia Hansen and Dalton Hines.

The Fast5 World Netball Series will take place at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena from November 9-10.

The top six teams in the World Netball Rankings will compete, and the fourth-ranked Jamaicans face a challenging schedule as they open the tournament against world number two, New Zealand.

The Sunshine Girls will then take on the third-ranked England Roses before wrapping up day one with a tough encounter against South Africa.

On the second day, the Jamaicans will face two-time defending champions Australia, followed by Uganda.

At the end of the group stage, the top two teams will advance to the final, while the next two will battle for third place.

Jamaica, still seeking their first Fast5 title, will hope to improve on their previous best finishes, having come second in 2017 and 2018.