SA coach says she never promised podium finish as Proteas eye 5th spot at Netball World Cup

Proteas head coach Norma Plummer insists she never promised a medal after South Africa bowed out of the Netball World Cup.

Plummer's charges were nearly stunned in Thursday's encounter against Uganda but kept their nerve to seal a 52-50 win.

The close result made it impossible for the Proteas to progress through to the World Cup semi-finals, as their goal difference was significantly lower than New Zealand's.

In the build-up to the World Cup, there had been lots of talks about the hosts sealing a podium finish. It's a feat they have yet to accomplish since their 1995 World Netball Championship silver medal.

READ | Proteas pride: SA exit home Netball World Cup as heroes with heads held high

Netball South Africa (NSA) president Cecilia Molokwane was vocal about her aspirations for the team, stating that a podium finish would be feasible.

However, when the Proteas' progression in the ongoing Netball World Cup came to a halt, Plummer said she made no promises.

"At no time did I promise that we would be taking a gold medal, it was the president of Netball South Africa who promised that," Plummer told reporters.

"I am realistic all the time. Coming in, we only had three camps and you are playing against world champions, and some of these players play at a much lower level than what we've come up against."

Plummer hailed her team for the nerve they showed to get over the line against Uganda.

"I am totally proud about those performances," said Plummer, who is in her second stint as coach of the Proteas netball team.

"If you can come up and play in the lower grade and compete at that level and get wins and match it, that, to me, shows a team that is growing."

Plummer, who was meant to leave the helm after the World Cup, explained that she