In a bid to facilitate the growth of netball in the country, government will build a netball exclusive arena, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.

The President made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the Netball World Cup held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre over the past 10 days.

The tournament was held on African soil for the first time.

“One of the things that’s been said...is that we need to ensure that netball grows in South Africa. To enable it to grow, we must build netball facilities throughout the country.

“I’m happy to say that your closing ceremony is on Women's Month here in South Africa. So therefore, the gift that we are going to give to the women of South Africa and also the women around the world is to build a netball arena. We are going to do it,” President Ramaphosa said.

The first citizen was in attendance of the final match of the tournament on Sunday which culminated in Australia beating England to take home the trophy.

The President sent his congratulations to all the countries that took part in the tournament.

“I want to congratulate the winning team, the number one, number two and number three. But also to say congratulations to all who have been participating in this tournament. You are all winners.

“I have been watching your sport for the past ten days and I must tell you, I have become a new fan,” he said.

President Ramaphosa commended the celebratory atmosphere that was created by crowds that attended matches throughout the tournament.

“I also want to congratulate you for the vibe as young people would say, for the wonderful vibe.

“There has been a very outstanding vibe here and I felt it today. You created a very wonderful African vibe and I’m glad that all the other nations participated in the wonderful spirit that prevailed in this tournament,” President Ramaphosa said.

Source: South African Government News Agency