Potgieter relishing time with Magic
South African import Lenize Potgieter has made an immediate impact since linking up with the WBOP Magic.
Recruited following a standout Netball Quad Series for the SPAR Proteas, Potgieter has taken her game to a new level in the ANZ Premiership.
She is currently the equal leading shooter in the league – alongside Jhaniele Fowler-Reid – with 227 goals at 92% (after 5 matches).
Her time with the Magic – and in New Zealand – is something she is relishing.
“I’m enjoying this so much, the friendships that I’ve made here are amazing,” Potgieter said.
“To see this beautiful country; before this league I had only been to Auckland and Hamilton, but now I’m going all over the place. The girls want to show me New Zealand.”
With three wins from their first five matches, the Magic have made a good start to the season. Paired with up-and-coming talent Monica Falkner, Potgieter says their understanding and confidence is growing.
“My team definitely helps me with my confidence because they’re putting in balls that I never thought I could catch but they have the trust in me to catch them,” she said.
“Also with my dodging on the circle edge and my rolls, which I didn’t do before coming here, but now I’m doing a little bit of them.
“I’m enjoying my combination with Monica a lot. I think we need to communicate better, and not just with words but reading off each other better. It’s still a work in progress but from pre-season until now it has improved a lot.”
Another player who she is enjoying playing alongside is former Silver Ferns captains and defender Casey Kopua.
“It’s an amazing experience to train and be in Casey’s presence. She has this attitude of never give up and if we’re starting to slacken off she gets on our case, which is a good thing. It’s great to be alongside her, train against her, have her as a captain and as a friend.”
Disappointed with the five goal loss to the SKYCITY Mystics on Easter Sunday, Potgieter believes keeping possession will be key in their next clash against the Silvermoon Tactix.
“I must say we are a bit disappointed with our effort [against the Mystics]. We know that we can do much better than this,” she said.
“We are happy that we got to within two goals, but we are disappointed that we let it go out to five goals at the end. I think we’ll go back and try to fix those loose ends around releasing the ball and keeping possession when we have the ball.”
“It wasn’t the greatest result for us, but we will keep trying to do our best.”
The WBOP Magic will travel to Christchurch to face the Silvermoon Tactix at Horncastle Arena on Sunday – GET TICKETS.
Can’t make it to the game? Fans can catch all the action live on SKY Sport 1 and FanPass, while fans living outside NZ can watch via the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.