Boyfriend’s message fueled Sanmarie Visser’s debut

The Upington-born netballer is settling into life in the United Kingdom after signing for Leeds Rhinos in the Netball Super League.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Visser described a special moment in the change room before her debut.

“On the day, in the changeroom, our dresses were hung in front of our lockers and they did something really special. The coach got messages from someone special in our lives. Mine was from my boyfriend back home. Right before the game, she gave it to me and to everyone else in the team as well,” Visser said

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“I got quite emotional before the game. Then we received little rhinos with our number on them, so you could see which number you represent as a Rhino. I am number 45. They also asked us what our reason is, and they put it up in the change room on our locker. 

“Mine, for example, was for God, my family and my little childhood dreams. It was such a special moment, and everyone enjoyed it.”

Visser says she never imagined playing overseas, as her only aspiration had been representing the SPAR Proteas.

She says that it’s an honour knowing that she is one of a few South African netballers to have the opportunity to play abroad and it is an exciting time for South African netball.

“It’s such an honour knowing that you are one of a few that have the opportunity to play overseas. It’s just such an exciting time for South African netball to know that we get these opportunities and all of us are open to new experiences. 

“It’s not easy to play overseas, it’s not easy leaving your family behind. I mean we are eight Protea players currently in the UK and just all the sacrifices we made not just for ourselves but we want to become better for the team, for South Africa, so us being here represents so much more than ourselves so it’s a really proud moment for me”