Sunshine Coast Lightning bookends Phumza Maweni and Peace Proscovia have officially re-signed with the club for 2021 and will prepare for their third season of Super Netball.
Head Coach Kylee Byrne said Proscovia and Maweni had adapted well to the demands of the elite Lightning environment and she expects continued improvement into season three.
“Peace and Phumza have taken real strides since joining our Club, embracing the professionalism and lift in standards required to thrive in the competition,” Byrne said.
“Now that they have that solid foundation and understanding, I’m excited to see how they can contribute further next season both on and off court.
“We understand that the decision to live away from your family – particularly after a season like 2020 – is a massive sacrifice and we are so grateful to both players for remaining part of the Lightning family.”
Maweni was in scintillating form in 2020 working in tandem with fellow South African circle defender Karla Pretorius, the pairing proving to be a formidable force against opposition shooters.
Despite multiple quarantine stints leading into the season, the goalkeeper was in peak physical condition, which only added to the 36-year-old’s consistent output.
“I’ve loved my time so far with Lightning, and I cannot wait to be out on court again with this team next year,” Maweni said.
“It’s never easy to make the decision to be away from family but I know I am making the right choice for my son and my career and the Lightning family have made that arrangement so much easier.
“I’ve really enjoyed my netball this year but I still think there’s more for me to improve on and to learn and I’ll continue to work hard to make that happen.”
Proscovia continued to provide a strong, physical target in Lightning’s goal circle and will only benefit from having another SSN season under her belt.
The Ugandan Captain was utilised in attack for Lightning in conjunction with Steph Wood and Cara Koenen
“It is with great honour that I sign on with Lightning for another year, playing on the Sunshine Coast has given me the opportunity to learn so much and to improve my netball,” Proscovia said.
“I feel privileged to play alongside such a supportive team and cannot wait to see what next year presents.”
More announcements on the 2021 Sunshine Coast Lightning squad will be made in the coming weeks.
