Netball South Africa announce SPAR Proteas Squad for Malawi Test Series
Netball South Africa (NSA) have announced a formidable SPAR Proteas squad for the upcoming SPAR Challenge international test series against the Malawi Queens, set to take place in Johannesburg from 31 October to 03 November 2024.
From the squad of 15 players, the SPAR Proteas team of 12 players will be announced by Head Coach Jenny Van Dyk at the pre-series media conference on Tuesday 29 October 2024.
As per international regulations, the 12 player team announced on 29 October 2024 will be committed to play the first test on 31 October 2024 but for the remaining two tests on 2 and 3 November 2024, Van Dyk may make changes to her team from the original 15 squad players.
Full SPAR Proteas Squad
- Shooters: Ine-Marí Venter, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré Van Der Berg, Owethu Ngubane, Nicholé Breedt
- Mid-Court: Khanyisa Chawane (C), Kamogelo Maseko, Refiloe Nketsa, Tarle Mathe, Jeanté Strydom
- Defenders: Jamie van Wyk, Boitumelo Mahloko, Karla Pretorius (VC), Nicola Smith, Ané Retief
The team, captained by Khanyisa Chawane with assistant captain Karla Pretorius comprises of Ine-Marí Venter, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré Van Der Berg, Owethu Ngubane, Nicholé Breedt, Kamogelo Maseko, Refiloe Nketsa, Tarle Mathe, Jeanté Strydom, Jamie van Wyk, Boitumelo Mahloko, Nicola Smith and Ané Retief.
Highly experienced, Karla Pretorius holds a special place in the SPAR Proteas-Malawi rivalry. Of the current squad, she has played the most games against Malawi of any of the other squad players, featuring in nine matches since her debut in 2011. Khanyisa Chawane and Ine-Marí Venter also have extensive experience against the Queens, with Chawane facing them six times and Venter four.
The highly anticipated clash will bring a thrilling three-match netball test series between the two African netball powerhouses to the iconic Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg. This series promises to reignite the fierce competition between these African netball giants.
South Africa holding the fifth position on the global ranking and Malawi currently ranked seventh, will battle for continental supremacy. The historical rivalry runs deep, with South Africa seeking to maintain its recent dominance after claiming victory in the 2020 SPAR Challenge series.
Key Milestones and Records
Over the course of 38 matches, the SPAR Proteas have emerged as the dominant force, securing 25 victories and suffering only 12 losses. One draw has also been recorded in their encounters.
- Largest Victories: South Africa’s most emphatic win came in 2020 when they defeated Malawi by a staggering 41-goal margin (69-28) in the 2020 SPAR Challenge staged at Sun City. Malawi’s biggest victory over South Africa came in a curtain raiser match to Australia vs New Zealand, with a 24-goal triumph (61-37) in 2011 in Perth.
- Highest Scores: South Africa’s highest-scoring match against Malawi was a 77-53 victory at the 1995 World Netball Championships in Birmingham while Malawi’s best offensive performance came in 2011, scoring 61 goals against South Africa in a curtain raiser match in Perth for Australia vs New Zealand.
First Test for SPAR Proteas New Coaching Duo
Earlier this year, Jenny van Dyk became the new head coach of the SPAR Proteas, with Zanele Mdodana taking on the role of assistant coach. The Malawi Test Series will mark their first time working together on the side-lines.
Van Dyk is confident the squad selected understands the assignment and is up to the task. “We’ve been working hard and discussed in detail what fitness level we want to be on when we compete internationally. Obviously, when we move into camp on Thursday, that’s the first thing we will be testing,” said Van Dyk.
She is convinced that the training camp, which begins on Thursday, 24 October will allow the team to enhance their preparations.
“We’ve done our homework on Malawi; even in our previous camp, we have spent some time making sure everybody understands what we’re up against. The pre-competition camp allows us just to fine-tune. It is an important part of the process for our first test series. We want to start strong. We’ve worked very hard in our units back home. The expectation is that we hit the ground running.”
On the other hand, Mdodana said it was “a surreal feeling to have come full circle” from playing against Malawi as a SPAR Protea to now coaching them. The former SPAR Proteas captain knows just how difficult Malawi are to play against.
“I’ve faced some of the strongest Malawi teams ever assembled. I captained the Proteas in the 2012 Diamond Challenge, where we lost to Malawi in the round-robin stage. Despite concerns, we rallied together and ultimately won the tournament. This is our first Test Series as a coaching duo with Jenny. I’m eager to prove myself on the international stage,” Mdodana said.
She added that they were committed to demonstrating their superiority as the continent’s leading netball team. “We aim to deliver strong performances in all three matches, showcasing our squad’s diversity and dynamic play. We want to give every player ample court time and demonstrate the quality Netball South Africa can produce.
“Malawi is a formidable opponent who always brings their best against us. They’re determined to prove they’re the best team in Africa. To silence any doubts, we must deliver convincing performances and win all three matches.”
The team is led by Head Coach Jenny Van Dyk, with Zanele Mdodana serving as Assistant Coach. Vinolia Austin is the Team Manager, while Fikile Phasha and Werner Botha are responsible for physiotherapy and conditioning. Michele Van Rooyen is the team’s analyst.
Ticket Details
Show your support for the SPAR Proteas by painting Ellis Park Arena green and gold. Tickets are available for purchase online: https://shop.netball-sa.org.za/events/
