This summer’s Netball World Cup – which runs from 28 July–6 August – has the potential to provide a further catalyst to that growth and could leave a genuine lasting legacy in her country.
“A lot of girls do suffer not having the financial support back home and growing up in townships,” Shadine reveals to the WSA.
“There’s a lot of growth in South African right now, as there is for women’s sport around the world which is great to see, but it can still be really difficult so it’s important that you get that support from Federation’s too.
“It’s really important to show that it’s possible to representing your country one day and even though it’s not easy and will be hard work, we have to be role models, show support and prove that they can live out their dream as well.”
During her time with the national team Shadine has helped South Africa to fourth at the 2019 Netball World Cup and fifth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Domestically the last five years have taken her from playing in her homeland to the Netball SuperLeague with Surrey Storm, before continuing her nomadic journey in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball league with Adelaide Thunderbirds.
She returned to the northern hemisphere and joined her current team – Manchester Thunder – in early 2022.
That year brought her a maiden Netball SuperLeague title, but also presented challenges, on and off the court. It was a year she describes as a “true roller coaster.”