Wales’ under 21 netball squad will face Netball World Youth Cup hosts, Botswana at their 9th to 16th placing quarter final match on Thursday at 5pm GMT.
Today’s game will decide whether Wales will secure a place in the 9th to 16th place semi-final, or the 13th to 16th semi-final.
Despite an impressive victory of 72-30 over Grenada on Monday (10 July), Wales were left disappointed after losing 32-36 to Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.
Head Coach Natalie Peperell continues to work on her squad’s game plan and says that they will come fighting back to finish 9th in the world:
“Tuesday wasn’t our best day – the pressure got to us a little bit and we crumbled.
“But the best thing about this Welsh squad is their fighting spirit, and we’re going to come back fighting.
“So we hit the training court hard yesterday to rectify the wrongs and to get ready for the next game, because we’re going to fight for that 9th place.”
If Wales win today’s match they will go through to the 9th to 12th place semi-final on Friday, 13 July. If Wales lose, they will compete for a 13th to 16th placing.
“It will be a tough game against Botswana in front of their roaring home crowd” says Peperell.
“We just need to keep our composure and play our own game, and make sure we deliver our best performance.”
Wales began their World Cup campaign on Saturday 8 July in Pool D, and have played against England, Fiji, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.
Keep up to date with the Wales U21 squad via Twitter (@welshnetball), Facebook or Instagram (@welshnetball).