By Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
Former national captain Connie Francis, left and Margaret Byfield running laps around the Stadium West track during the national senior netball squad's training session yesterday. The two are hoping to return to competitive form in time for the World Netball Championships here in July. - Michael Sloley /Freelance Photographer
FORMER SENIOR team representative Margaret Byfield and retired captain Connie Francis believe they still have a contribution to make to the national netball programme.
The two are back in Jamaica's training squad that is currently preparing for the World Netball Championships to be held here in July and were part of yesterday's training session at the National Stadium Complex that was conducted by coaches Maureen Hall, Janet Guy and trainer Clifton Forbes.
Francis retired from competitive netball nearly four years ago and had been coaching local business house teams, her local club team Waulgrovians as well as preparing the St Lucia national team for Caribbean Championships.
Byfield has been in and out due to injury and other issues.
Both, according to coach Hall, will be an asset to the team if they meet the training requirements and make the final cut.
"The ability and commitment that both Margaret and Connie have is unquestionable. That has never been in doubt. The challenge for both of them however is to achieve the level of fitness required to again operate at the international level.
"They have a lot of work to do because they are starting well after the others have started. Both of them will have to put in some extra work other than what we do here but if they are prepared to put in the extra work and get fit, they will add value to this group," Hall said.
Francis and Byfield started training last week but the other players have been working out from last November.
Francis, who represented Jamaica for over 14 years at World Championships, Caribbean Championships and in International Tests series, recognises that she has a lot of work to do regarding fitness but is prepared to make the sacrifice.
"It's very tiring but I'm very optimistic of making the team. It's somewhat of a hurdle but I'm working very hard. I'm up to the challenge of training even twice per day. I'm not as young as the other players but I've made up my mind to make the sacrifice. I have it all worked out," she said while adding that her responsibility to her teenaged daughter and two-month old baby will not interfere with the programme.
"I still think I have a contribution to make to the team. I was there when they came fifth in the world, then third and fourth and I want to be around when we become number one. We have it in us to win this time around," she added.
Byfield, also a mother of two children including a four-month old, is equally happy to be back among the fold. She first represented Jamaica in 1992 as an Under-19 and followed that up with Caribbean Championships, Commonwealth Games and Test Series outings.
"It's a great being in the squad once more, trying to meet the requirements to represent my country once more. I'm particularly glad to be a part of this young group because they are inspiring. They are much fitter than me and I look forward to training every evening so I can try and keep up with their pace.
"I'm strongest in the shooting area so hopefully with fitness and God's help I can make it once more," she said.
Added Hall: "It will definitely be a bonus if they made the team. Connie's experience in attack, what she has done over the years would serve us in good stead. She would bring experience and leadership if she made the team.
"Margaret has always been an excellent shooter and is tremendously talented. This time around she has demonstrated a personal level of commitment because she wants it. I hope that will take her over the boundary. If she loses the weight and get fit, she too will make a valuable contribution to the team."
