Spar Proteas defender Sanmarie Visser has seamlessly adapted to life in the Netball Super League (NSL), making an immediate impact in her debut season with Leeds Rhinos Netball in the United Kingdom. The move comes after a stint in Australia with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, experience that has proven invaluable in her transition to the UK’s revamped NSL 2.0.
The NSL marks Visser’s third professional league, following her time in South Africa’s Telkom Netball League with North West Flames and Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN). She believes her exposure in Australia has given her a competitive edge.
“It is such a great opportunity for me to be playing in the NSL. I think the exposure at the SSN has prepared me for this moment. There is still room for growth in England to reach that level, but it is a really good league. It’s a great opportunity to improve my game and grow as a person,” says Visser.
The acrobatic goal defender admits adapting to the UK weather was initially a challenge, but she has since settled in and now enjoys exploring the city of Leeds. She credits her smooth transition to the warm welcome from both her teammates and coaching staff.
“It was such an easy transition for me coming here. They made me feel welcomed immediately, and I had no problems settling in. I got started with the team straight away. Our head coach, Lauren Palmer, is a defensive coach and she has been working really hard with me to help build my game. It’s been really special knowing she wants me to keep improving,” she says.
Visser has also embraced playing in front of larger crowds, noting a stark contrast between the NSL and the Telkom Netball League.
“The fan base here is definitely bigger than what we’re used to in South Africa. You’re looking at about 1,000 to 2,000 fans per match, which is massive compared to the TNL. The supporters are loud, passionate, and fully invested — with merchandise and everything. Playing week in and week out in front of those crowds has been an incredible experience,” she explains.
However, Leeds Rhinos’ season has not gone according to plan. The team has struggled early on, winning just one of their opening four matches. A major setback came with the injury of goal keeper Jasmine “Jaz” Brown, whose Achilles injury has ruled her out for the rest of the year.
“Coming into the season, our goal was to finish in the top four, but things haven’t gone as we had hoped. Losing our goalkeeper was a big blow, especially for me. She’s an England international, and I was really looking forward to building that partnership and learning from her. Now, we’re focusing on improving as a team and securing more wins. The top four is still the goal, but we also have to be realistic about where we are,” says Visser.
With the NSL season set to conclude ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Visser has one eye on national duty. The Proteas will be aiming to better their sixth-place finish from the 2022 edition, and she believes her overseas experience will be key.
“Everything I do is with the South African team in mind. I want to improve every aspect of my game, not just physically, but mentally and tactically as well. There’s a big focus here on analysis and playing with purpose. We’re not just going out there to play; we have clear plans, and that has improved my game a lot.
“I’m also working closely with our South African strength and conditioning coach to maintain my fitness. The communication between Leeds Rhinos and the national team has been excellent, everyone is making an effort to stay aligned and support my development ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” she adds.