The stage is set for an electrifying 2024 Fast5 Netball World Series in Christchurch, New Zealand, this weekend. Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls, led by Head Coach Nardia Hanson, are determined to make history and claim their first-ever title.

As the team arrived in Christchurch, the excitement was palpable. Hanson’s confidence in her team was evident, and she made it clear that they weren’t just participating – they were there to win.

The Fast5 Netball World Series is to take place from November 9-10 at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena. The top six teams in the world will compete in the tournament — New Zealand, Australia, England, Jamaica, South Africa, and Uganda.

Each team plays each other once during the first two days in a round-robin format. The four highest-scoring teams from this stage progress to the finals, played on the final day of competition, in which the first-ranked team plays the fourth-ranked team, while second plays third. The winners of these two matches contest the grand final and the remaining teams compete in the third and fifth-place play-offs.

“We’re not just participating; we’re here to win,” Hanson told the Jamaica Observer, her confidence evident.

“Our team’s goal and expectation is to win the Fast5 tournament, and in a worst-case scenario have a podium finish. We envision being on top of the podium, even though as coaches we know it is going to be extremely challenging, it is within reach,” the head coach further stated.

The Sunshine Girls face a formidable opponent in New Zealand’s Silver Ferns in their opening match. The Saturday clash is set for 1:15 pm local time (8:15 pm Friday, Jamaica time).

“All teams here are competition, and we’ve prepared as best as we can,” Hanson said. “The team has adjusted well to conditions here, and we’re ready to go. Our message is focus, belief, and consistency. Our expectation for the first game is to win. However, we know that we will be playing the host team and the ladies are cautiously excited. We are here to win and we are working towards that.”

Hanson’s optimism stemmed from the team’s rigorous preparation — intensive training sessions focused on speed, agility, and strength, while strategic planning targeted opponents’ weaknesses as well as team-building activities fostering unity and cohesion among the players.

“Preparation has been particularly good,” Hanson said.

“We’ve worked to ensure our athletes are physically and mentally prepared. The team’s chemistry and cohesiveness have developed nicely given the fact that most of the ladies selected, it’s their first time, and they are all excited to share in this momentous occasion,” she further stated.

Jamaica’s history in the Fast5 Netball World Series is impressive, with five podium finishes since 2009. They had claimed second place three times (2009, 2017, 2028) and third place twice (2010, 2013).

The Sunshine Girls’ schedule will be packed, with matches against England (3:30 pm and 10:30 pm Friday, Jamaica time) and South Africa (7:30 pm, 2:30 am Saturday, Jamaica time) following the opener. They will close out the first round of matches against Australia and Uganda the following day.