Ekenasio and Karaka to lead Silver Ferns

Ameliaranne Ekenasio has retained the captaincy while Phoenix Karaka has been appointed vice captain of the Silver Ferns for the remainder of their 2023 international programme.

Shooter Ekenasio, with 63 caps, and defender Karaka, 58 caps, bring a wealth of experience to the fold, the pair both making their Silver Ferns debuts in 2014.

Ekenasio reclaimed the captaincy for the 2022 Taini Jamison Trophy series after 18 months out of international play following the birth of her second child.

Karaka also took time out to have her first child in 2021. She has attended three Netball World Cups and has captaincy experience with the Mystics.

The two mums were elected following a team and management vote and will lead the team in the upcoming three-test Taini Jamison Trophy Series against England and the four-test Constellation Cup series against Australia.

“Ameliaranne and Phoenix are both experienced campaigners, have great leadership qualities and are well-equipped to take the Silver Ferns forward while leading from the front,” Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said.

Previous Silver Ferns vice captain Gina Crampton is taking an extended break from netball following the World Cup.