PUMA has signed partnership agreements with netball stars Refiloe Nketsa and Elmeré van der Berg as part of its commitment to supporting and empowering women in sport.

Van der Berg and Nketsa join their fellow SPAR Proteas teammates Bongi Msomi, Khanyisa Chawane and Shadine van der Merwe in the ever-growing PUMA performance family. The five netball stars are key players in the national squad (Nketsa is one of 3 reserves in the final squad of 15) which will compete for glory in the Vitality Netball World Cup in Cape Town next month.

“We welcome Refiloe and Elmeré who join their national team mates Bongi, Shadine and Khanyisa in taking their rightful place in the global PUMA Fam alongside performance stars across a range of individual and team sports,” said Brett Bellinger, PUMA SA Marketing Director. “We wish them well in the final preparations for the World Cup where they will do the brand, themselves and our country proud.”

Van der Berg, who plays in PUMA Accelerate netball trainers, said being selected to the World Cup team is the culmination of a life-long dream. Addressing the keys to success at the World Cup, she said: “Faith, commitment, unity, endurance and giving it your all.”

Nketsa, who plays in PUMA Solarstrike netball trainers, said her love of sneakers attracted her to partner with PUMA: “I am a sneaker freak! Also, the casual style with a sporty tweak is what has my heart.”

She also had advice for girls chasing their dreams. “Once you put your mind to something, be sure to break it down and then focus on achieving small pieces as that will eventually lead to realising the big part of your dream,” she said. “Great things take time. Embrace your journey and welcome growth.”

PUMA South Africa is the official kit supplier for all teams under the auspices of Netball South Africa and in March 2023 unveiled the United Warriors kit the SPAR Proteas will wear during the 2023 season. PUMA also produces the official replica and fanwear.

The replica Home and Away kit are available at PUMA.com, at PUMA Retail, Totalsports and Sportmans Warehouse. Retail price R499. PUMA has also unveiled a range of fanwear across men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes.