Sanmarie Visser Steps Up Big Time, Filling in for Sterling

(The Post News)– It’s been an incredible year for South Africa’s Sanmarie Visser. After being named as Karla Pretorius’ replacement for the Spar Proteas, she’s now also filling in for Jamaican star Shamera Sterling-Humphrey at Adelaide Thunderbirds in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball League.

Visser wore Pretorius’s bib earlier this year in matches against Jamaica and England. Now, she’s representing the Thunderbirds in place of Sterling-Humphrey, who’s expecting a baby.

The 2023 Varsity Netball Player of the Tournament made her Thunderbirds debut against Giants Netball, playing the full game at goalkeeper. Though her team narrowly lost 64–63, Visser’s confidence has been growing with every match.

Visser acknowledges the pressure of stepping in for two netball legends but sees it as an opportunity to grow.

“It’s a big responsibility, but I’m learning so much. It’s made me believe in my talent more,” she added.

Originally brought in as a temporary replacement, she was officially signed after Sterling-Humphrey’s pregnancy was announced. She’s now part of an elite group of South Africans who’ve played in the SSN.

Despite recently recovering from facial surgery, Visser is embracing the challenge and soaking up the experience.

Proteas assistant coach Zanele Mdodana agrees. “She’s hungry, coachable, and determined to leave her mark.”