Friday 19 December 2014 22:39, UK
Loughborough Lightning have signed South Africa captain Maryka Holtzhausen for the 2015 Netball SuperLeague season.
Maryka, a veteran of the South African Netball Squad with 62 international caps, will be the first South African international to have played in the Super League.
She will arrive in UK at the beginning of January to start her preparation with the new look Lightning squad.
Maryka is renowned for her creative attacking play and accurate shooting. She is also extremely versatile, being able to play in all three front line attacking positions.
After recently captaining the South African Fast 5 squad in Auckland, Maryka spoke of her excitement to be playing in the Netball SuperLeague.
"I am very privileged to be given an opportunity to play for Loughborough Lightning in the 2015 season," she said. "I am extremely excited not only about what Lightning can offer me as a player, but what I can offer them. I am truly blessed."
Loughborough Lightning head coach, Karen Atkinson said: "It is fantastic for Loughborough Lightning that we are able to secure a player of Maryka’s calibre.
"I have watched her play for South Africa for many years and have been impressed by her skill level, play making ability and composure under pressure. She will add some much-needed experience to the Lightning squad and we can’t wait to start working with her."
This is a ground-breaking moment for netball in South Africa and the SuperLeague as Maryka is the first player from her country to play in the UK’s top domestic league.
For Lightning, Maryka will bring leadership qualities from her role as South African captain, which will complement the current crop of youthful talent. She will stay until the completion of the NSL when she will return to South Africa to resume her World Cup preparations.
Loughborough Lightning, who begin their season at home against Celtic Dragons on February 9, will announce their final squad of 15 in the New Year.
