The Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have named experienced goal attack Ameliaranne Ekenasio to captain the side for their 2023 ANZ Premiership campaign.
Ekenasio, who has played 54 Premiership matches (including 12 for the Magic), will lead the Magic for the first time, bringing plenty of leadership skills having guided the Pulse and Silver Ferns during her career.
She will be joined by Erena Mikaere who has been named as vice-captain, the Magic stalwart and defender having played 55 matches in the club dress during a career which spans 101 matches in New Zealand and Australia.
After seven years with the Pulse, Ekenasio shifted to the Magic this year following the birth of her second child and has since returned to the Silver Ferns environment where she will lead the national side at next month’s Netball Quad Series in South Africa.
The goal attack said she was honoured to be asked to lead the Magic in the 2023 ANZ Premiership and was looking forward to the challenge of helping her side perform next year.
“I’m relatively new to this franchise but it was obvious to me from the outset that this is a close-knit unit, and it means a lot to be asked to captain the Magic,” she said.
“I know we are all working towards the same goal of getting results out on court next year and I’m lucky to have a number of experienced netballers in our side who I can turn to, including Erena who is incredibly passionate about the Magic.”
Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa said she was fortunate to be able to call on a wealth of leadership experience within her side and Ekenasio would be well supported in her role.
“The Magic are blessed with some of New Zealand’s most experienced netballers, so I know we won’t be lacking for leadership both on and off court,” she said.
“Ameliaranne has continued to grow since returning to the game after being on maternity leave and even during her limited court time last season, her leadership, whether from the side-lines or on court, was invaluable. She is a world-class player who has the backing and respect of her teammates.”
Araroa said Mikaere was a great fit to team up with Ekenasio in the leadership group as vice-captain, having been a stalwart Magic player with over 50 matches for the club.
“Erena has been a part of some of the Magic’s most successful moments in the club’s history and provides that guidance and experience in our defensive end.
“But we also have the likes of Claire Kersten, Bailey Mes and Charlotte Elley who have all been a part of the ANZ Premiership for a number of years, so we are in a good space with a strong leadership presence.”
The Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic open their 2023 ANZ Premiership campaign against the Pulse in Palmerston North on 5 March.
