Diamonds debutant Sunday Aryang became the first African-born Australian to play international netball on Monday in a 60-40 defeat of South Africa in the 2022 Quad Series.
The Ethiopian-born netballer, who moved to Australia when she was three, was named on the extended squad for the series in London before being handed her debut in a tough-fought win at Copper Box Arena.
Aryang was introduced in the second quarter in goal defence and made a stunning debut in the circle alongside West Coast Fever teammate and player of the match Courtney Bruce.
The win marks two from two for the Diamonds’ Quad Series campaign after their commanding 53-39 win over New Zealand on Sunday morning.
Sunday Aryang has made history in becoming the first African-born Diamond. Credit:Getty
“At the start, I was quite nervous but once I got out there and got around the girls I definitely felt more comfortable, and it was a fun moment for me,” Aryang said post-match.
“I’m super proud to be the first [African-born player] to represent the Australians. It’s always been a goal of mine and it’s just great to be able to achieve something so big not only for myself, but for the African community.”
Bruce said Aryang’s debut was only the start of a long and successful career for the 21-year-old.
“Sunday and I have a really good relationship and a good partnership out there and to be here when Sunday stepped out on the court and ask her to do her thing out there, I’m so proud,” Bruce said.
“Watch out. This is just the beginning of a phenomenal career for her.”
Despite the final score, the game was not easily won by Australia.
South Africa took a 14-12 lead in the first quarter, taking advantage of Australia’s decision to rest a number of star players ahead of their clash against England on Wednesday (6.30am AEST).
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich injected Aryang into the game five minutes before half-time and, with her energy and youth, she managed an intercept and rebound to assist before the break. The efforts would help put Australia in front 27-23 at halftime.
Marinkovich continued to make changes heading into the third quarter which eventually paid off.
The Diamonds went into the final quarter up 45-32 before extending their lead to 20 points before the final buzzer.
The win was a major boost for the younger members of the side as they prepare to take on the Roses, their biggest rivals.
Marinkovich said England had been playing some classy netball throughout the tournament and would be hard to beat given the current depth and experience in the Roses squad.
“It’s been a long time. We were meant to play late last year and that wasn’t able to happen due to COVID-19,” she said.
“The fact we are over here and we can both step out on court and really take that battle on, it’s great for us but it’s going to super exciting for international netball.”
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