Visser embraces Thunderbirds’ high expectations

South Africa’s Sanmarie Visser is having a big year in her career so far. After the goal defender was announced to be veteran Karla Pretorius’s replacement in the Spar Proteas, she has now stepped into other big shoes in the size of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.

She took Pretorius's bib for the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Tour against Jamaica in January and later against England at the Vitality Nations Cup early in the year.

She is now enjoying her netball Down Under in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) for Adelaide Thunderbirds in Sterling-Humphrey’s place.

The former North West Flames star enjoyed a full match for the Thunderbirds in her debut against the Giants Netball, wearing the goal keeper bib.

The defending champions lost the tie 64-63.

The defender has now played in three matches, and her confidence seems to be growing with every second she spends on the court.

'A MOMENT I WILL NEVER FORGET'

Visser says getting on court for the Thunderbirds for the first time is a moment that will live with her for the rest of her life.

“The team has been so welcoming and supportive from the beginning. There’s a strong culture of unity and high standards, which made it easier to settle in. That first match, wow! I was nervous but also filled with pride and determination. Wearing the Thunderbirds dress for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget. I felt the weight of the opportunity and just wanted to give it everything I had,” says Visser.

She says she understands the monumental expectations and pressures that come with replacing two of the most prolific defenders in the world.

The 2023 Varsity Netball Player of the Tournament says this opportunity is both an honour and a chance to sharpen her skills as well.

'A BIG RESPONSIBILITY'

“It’s been a huge honour and a big responsibility. I’ve approached it with humility and a willingness to grow. I know I still have a lot to learn, but stepping into those shoes has also given me a sense of confidence in my own talent and potential. It motivates me to keep pushing my limits and aim even higher for my career,” she says.

Visser was originally announced as a temporary replacement player for Romelda Aiken-George, who had suffered a minor knee injury earlier this year.

Thunderbirds’ General Manager of High Performance, Jace Bode, had noted Visser’s versatility in defence and the midcourt and felt it would bring balance to the side.

Following Sterling-Humphrey’s pregnancy news, Visser was elevated from a training partner contract to a replacement player.

“The move to the Thunderbirds came through ongoing conversations between my management and the club, who had been keeping an eye on my progress. When the opportunity came, it felt surreal. Playing in one of the best leagues in the world has always been a dream, so I was incredibly grateful and excited. I know this was going to be a big step forward in my career and a chance to test myself at a higher level, but I was also scared and knew that this was going to be really hard,” she explains.

Visser joins a list of South Africans that competed in the SSN, which includes Pretorius, Phumza Maweni, Shadine van der Merwe, Lenize Potgieter, Ine-Mari Venter, Erin Burger, as well as former Proteas captain, Bongiwe Msomi.

Van der Merwe, Msomi and Potgieter also played for the Thunderbirds.

Visser says she will take her experience from Australia and employ it when she dons the green and gold.

“The exposure to the intensity, speed, and structure of the SSN league is definitely sharpening my game. I’m learning new systems, adjusting to quicker decision-making, and gaining experience against some of the best attackers in the world. All of that feeds into what I can bring to the Spar Protea, more maturity, composure under pressure, and a deeper understanding of the game,” she explains.

Visser travelled Down Under while recovering from surgery on her face after she got injured during the Nations Cup in England in February.

She had to wear a face guard at training in April when she arrived at Thunderbirds. 

Proteas assistant coach Zanele Mdodana has described Visser as a hard worker who is hungry to make a name for herself in world netball.

“She is young, dynamic, and is so hungry. She is coachable, takes information, and soaks everything in,” explains Mdodana.