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Straits Times
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Singapore Vandas look to learn from UAE Netball Cup final loss for a crucial year ahead
World No. 26 Singapore lost 62-53 to 18th-ranked Namibia in the UAE Netball Cup final on June 21. PHOTO: NETBALL SINGAPORE Singapore Vandas look to learn from UAE Netball Cup final loss for a crucial year ahead SINGAPORE – Despite falling short of a title in their first international outing of the year, the Singapore Vandas took heart from their United Arab Emirates (UAE) Netball Cup campaign, which ended in a 62-53 loss to Namibia in the final on June 21. This was the first tournament under new head coach Tara Steel, who was appointed in March, and offered several positives as world No. 26 Singapore look to build towards a pivotal year that includes November's Singlife Nations Cup and the SEA Games in Thailand in December. Steel said: 'The final outcome was disappointing because we weren't at our best today but all credit to Namibia. 'But I'm really happy with the fact that we were in a top-two final. 'We had a really strong week in terms of our execution in games consistently and still searching for a full 60-minute performance and we still didn't hit that today, but it bodes well in terms of SEA Games and our own Nations Cup in Singapore.' Both teams were undefeated heading into the final, having dropped points only in their 49-49 draw earlier in the week, with Namibia topping the six-team table on goal difference. This time, world No. 18 Namibia started strongly, showing discipline in defence as they closed down spaces and dictated the tempo. While their attackers were clinical, Singapore's took some time to settle into the game. Leading 4-3 early on, Namibia pulled away with a seven-goal run to go 11-3 up, eventually taking the first quarter 16-10. The second quarter was more closely contested, but Namibia maintained their advantage by outscoring the Vandas 17-16 for a 33-26 half-time lead. Returning to the court, the Vandas outscored Namibia in the third quarter, with crucial interceptions by defenders Jamie Lim and K. Mishalenee creating key turnovers. However, Namibia responded with a strong defensive display in the final quarter, limiting Singapore's opportunities in the shooting circle. In a bid to break through, Steel introduced 1.81m goal shooter Priscilla Wong to counter Namibia's height advantage, but the opposition remained resolute, stretching to a nine-goal lead to seal the title. Reflecting on the final, co-captain Toh Kai Wei, who was voted Singapore's Most Valuable Player of the tournament, acknowledged the challenge of facing a dynamic Namibian side who had changed their approach since the round-robin stage. 'Namibia played a really different game from what we played in the round-robin games, so the structure itself, we weren't really prepared for it,' said Toh, who plays goal attack and wing attack. 'There was a lot of movement from them, but we tried our best to adjust and re-adjust and counter back. 'It was not the result that we wanted but I'm proud of my team for putting up a good fight.' Just the day before, the Vandas had bagged the Team of the Year (event) accolade at the Singapore Sports Awards, with Yeo Mee Hong, who led them to their first Asian triumph in 10 years, named Coach of the Year. Looking ahead, Steel noted that while there were positives in their execution, fitness and consistency remain key areas for improvement. The Australian said: 'We did execute our game plan and, when we did that it was effective, but we had moments where we stopped doing that – individually or as units. 'For us, it's probably about improving our fitness and conditioning for the game we want to play. 'Physically, we are smaller than our opponents, so it requires a lot of running and footwork to get free in attack. We've got plenty of time to build on that for the style of game that will be successful for us.' Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Injury-hit netballer Priscilla Wong gears up for her international debut
National netballer Priscilla Wong, 23, has battled a lengthy list of injuries in recent years, including a concussion she sustained during a Netball Super League match in February. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – With 2025 shaping up to be a pivotal year for the national netball team – there are three major competitions, including the SEA Games – goal shooter Priscilla Wong was eager to stake her claim and make her international debut. Those ambitions were put on hold in February, when she suffered a concussion after a collision with an opponent during a Netball Super League (NSL) match, prematurely ending her season with the Fier Orcas. Sidelined for two months, the 23-year-old feared her chance of a call-up had slipped away. She said: 'Prior to the season, I was making sure I was conditioned well and there was a big year for the Opens squad so it was something that I could fight for. 'When the concussion happened and things led up to it and not being able to play the whole season, I thought that my chance was basically gone.' But she got her chance in May, when national coach Tara Steel called her to share the happy news that she had been selected for the Singapore Vandas' first international outing of the year, the United Arab Emirates Netball Cup in Dubai from June 15 to 21. The Nanyang Technological University undergraduate, who joined the Opens team in 2024, said: 'I was quite excited for it because for me, it's been a long process from the time I started netball and then playing for Singapore A (the developmental squad). It took quite a lot of effort, dedication and hard work to make the team and making it to the Opens team doesn't guarantee you a spot in competitions as well. 'It was very nerve-racking for me because my teammates are all at the same level or a higher level and I felt that I should really cherish the opportunity.' Getting her debut in the UAE Netball Cup will be a huge boost for the player, who has had a challenging run of injuries over the past three years. In 2023, she ruptured the ligaments on her left ankle. The following year, she suffered a Lisfranc injury in the same foot and a meniscus strain in her right knee. In 2025, on top of the concussion, she also tore the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in her right ankle. But the concussion was the hardest to deal with. She continued to show up for matches to support her teammates, even though it pained her to watch from the sidelines – Wong credits her coaches, family and friends for getting her through that tough period. With the injuries behind her, Wong said that donning national colours has been her dream since she started playing netball at 13. Originally a softball player, she picked up netball when her secondary school did not offer softball as a co-curricular activity. While it has not been an easy journey, the challenges have shaped Wong as a player. On what kept her going, she said: 'I felt like there was no way for me to turn back anymore because when I started my journey, it was something I wanted to pursue at a higher level and how I can offer myself as a player who can benefit the team. 'If it (the injuries) had happened at the beginning, it would've been a very different story. But going through everything, it just taught me to become more resilient and how I can push further.' Steel is excited to see what Wong has to offer in the circle. With goal shooter Lee Pei Shan recovering from back surgery, the coach noted that it will give other players an opportunity to step up. This will be Steel's first international tournament with the team since her appointment in March. The Australian said: 'In a Singapore environment, she's a really accurate goal shooter – she's strong on the take, strong in the whole circle. 'She's quite tall in the Singapore context, so internationally her height will probably be challenged a little bit more, but that'll be a great opportunity and a great experience for her to come up against some international defenders. That will be a different challenge from what she's used to locally.' In Dubai, world No. 26 Singapore will first play 28th-ranked Republic of Ireland on June 15, before taking on Kenya (25), Namibia (18), the United States (30) and UAE (23). The team will also compete in November's Nations Cup in Singapore, followed by the Dec 9-20 SEA Games in Thailand. Steel added: 'Coming up against different opponents, we'll see a variety of international styles – a range of international flair, different heights, different sizes out on court. 'Ultimately, for us, it's about our game and how we play to our strengths, and how we can take on taller opponents, but use our ability to distribute the ball, shoot from short and long range.' Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Mid East Info
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Mid East Info
DUBAI TO HOST INAUGURAL UAE NETBALL CUP WITH DUBAI HOLDING COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT AS TITLE SPONSOR - Middle East Business News and Information
Top-ranked nations set to battle for glory The UAE Falcons, currently 23rd in the world Dubai, UAE – June , 2025: Dubai is set to welcome six of the world's top emerging netball nations this month, as the UAE Netball Cup 2025 makes its debut at Al Nasr Club's Sports Hall from June 15–21. Hosted by the UAE Netball Federation in partnership with Falcon and Associates and Dubai Sports Council, the tournament has secured Dubai Holding Community Management (DHCM) as its title sponsor. The sponsorship highlights DHCM's commitment to fostering wellbeing and active lifestyles across Dubai's communities, while supporting the growth of international women's netball in the region. Believing in the unifying power of sport, DHCM's support for this premier event underscores its dedication to wellness-driven communities, youth empowerment and community engagement. This partnership reflects DHCM's broader mission to cultivate vibrant, people-first environments where wellbeing, social connection and community spirit flourish. The competition will feature national teams from UAE ranked 23rd, Republic of Ireland 18th, Singapore 19th, Namibia 20th, Kenya 25th and the USA 30th. All six teams are ranked within the top 30 in the World Netball standings, setting the stage for an exciting week of closely matched fixtures and intense international rivalry. Played in a round-robin format, the tournament will see three matches a day from June 15-17 and June 19-20, culminating in a thrilling finals day on June 21 Saturday, where teams will battle it out for podium positions. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Susanne Skelding, Founder of Active Netball and a key figure in the development of the sport in the region, said: 'We are incredibly proud to see Dubai host its first-ever World Netball-recognised event. The standard of competition will be fierce, with just a few ranking places separating each team. For the UAE Falcons, it's a huge moment to play on home soil against global opponents – and for fans, it's a chance to witness world-class netball up close.' 'At DHCM, we believe that sport is a powerful unifier. It builds bonds, boosts wellbeing and creates moments that communities remember. Our support for the UAE Netball Cup is more than a sponsorship; it's an expression of our values. We proudly stand behind a platform that champions women and brings communities together through sport,' said Francis Giani, Chief Community Management Officer, Dubai Holding Community Management. The UAE Falcons, currently 23rd in the world, enter the competition with a dynamic squad that blends experienced leadership with rising stars from the country's U17 and U21 national development pathways. With home-court advantage and strong local support, they will be pushing for a landmark performance in front of a passionate crowd. This tournament not only gives the Falcons a valuable opportunity to climb the international ladder but also marks a significant milestone for netball's growth in the UAE. As an officially sanctioned World Netball event, it reflects the increasing competitiveness of the sport and its expanding reach in the Middle East. The UAE Netball Cup adds a new and exciting fixture to Dubai's growing calendar of international sporting events. Joining Dubai Holding Community Management as Title Sponsor – The Entertainer, Cognita Schools, Rove Hotels, Dubai Duty Free and Mediclinic Middle East have been confirmed as official partners of the inaugural UAE Netball Cup. About UAE Netball Federation: Netball has been played in the UAE for over 40 years, with the sport evolving significantly in recent years. In 2010, Active Netball launched to introduce structured leagues and coaching outside of school environments, helping to develop a strong club system and player pathways. To further progress the sport and broaden opportunities across the community, the UAE Netball Federation was established as the National Governing Body in 2017. Since 2018, it has been a proud member of both Europe Netball and World Netball, earning the UAE the right to compete internationally at U17 and senior levels. Today, the UAE is ranked 23rd in the World Netball Rankings and continues to grow. The Federation is a voluntary organisation working in partnership with Active Netball to promote netball for all ages and abilities, with a mission to expand international exposure for national squads and bring world-class competition to the region. About DHCM: Dubai Holding Community Management (DHCM) is an integrated, customer-centric community management organisation committed to creating the region's most desirable communities. Guided by its three strategic pillars being customer-centric, community-focused, and technology-driven. DHCM delivers vibrant, connected and sustainable living environments in its communities across Dubai. With a strong focus on resident wellbeing, engagement, and service excellence, DHCM supports a wide range of initiatives that foster inclusive, thriving communities. Through innovation, collaboration and a dedication to quality of life, DHCM is shaping the future of community living in Dubai.
