SEVERN Stars have signed two South African internationals as they look to bolster their squad for next spring’s Vitality Netball Superleague campaign.
Goal attack Maryka Holtzhausen and goal keeper Phumza Maweni, who featured for Stars in September’s British Fast5 All-Stars Championship, join the University of Worcester Arena franchise with a wealth of experience.
Both currently play in their native South Africa, with Holtzhausen plying her trade with Free State Crinums and Maweni with Western Cape Stings.
But the duo are no strangers to the Superleague, having both played for Loughborough Lightning in 2015.
The pair recently featured in the Quad Series against England, New Zealand and Australia and are currently representing their country in Melbourne, Australia.
“It’s a good up-and-coming club (Stars) and I’m excited about the players that are in our team,” said Holtzhausen.
“We played pretty well in the British Fast5 All-Stars Championship after just one training session, so the possibilities and expectations are pretty high.
“We know in this league (Superleague) there’s not a team which you can underestimate or take lightly. We’ll need to play our best every game.
“It’s a much more competitive league than we get back home. No netball player in South Africa would let an opportunity like this pass them by.
“I hope it will help me progress as a player in preparation for the Commonwealth Games next year.”
Maweni said: “I’m really happy. I think it’s going to be a great experience on and off the court.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge as it’s not going to be easy – you have to fight for it.”