TWO TEAMS SET FOR THE SPAR CHALLENGE CONFIRMED
Netball South Africa have confirmed a week ago that the 2021 SPAR Challenge will take place as early as January in Cape Town and six teams will be participating that tournament. This announcement was made during the recently concluded SPAR National Championships held in Bela Bela.
Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa President confirmed that SPAR Proteas, President’s XII, SPAR Baby Proteas (Under 21), Uganda, Namibia and Uganda 21 national teams will be participating at the 2021 SPAR Challenge.
“The series against Uganda who are ranked seventh in the world is part of our preparations for the Netball World Cup. It is important for our players to play as many competitive matches as possible so that they get some game time under their belts and at the same time give coaches adequate time to try out various combinations,” said Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa President.
The federation has confirmed the following players to represent South Africa in Cape Town against Uganda between the 20thto 27thJanuary 2021:
Shooters: Sigi Burger; Lenize Potgieter; Ine-Mari Venter; Lefebre Rademan; Nomfundo Mngomezulu
Centre: Bongiwe Msomi ©; Khanyisa Chawane; Tshinakaho Mdau; Rome Joubert; Izette Griesel
Defence: Karla Pretorius; Shadine vd Merwe; Phumza Maweni; Sikholiwe Mdletshe; Jeanie Steyn
“This is another opportunity for us to give the SPAR Proteas team international exposure and ranking games, we are thankful for that at this difficult time in the World. We respect Uganda “She Cranes” netball team and know they will be tough opponents. The more we can play, and the more experience the team can get, the better they will become. Therefore, it is also important to give more players opportunity through the Presidents XII team, said SPAR Proteas head coach Dorette Badenhorst.
The President’s XII coached by Jenny van Dyk will consist of the following players:
Shooters: Nonsikelelo Mazibuko; Bongise Wete; Chantelle Swart; Renske Stoltz; Jessica du Plessis
Centre: Marlize de Bruin; Lungile Mthembu; Jo Prins; Didintle Keebine; Fezeka Sondzaba
Defence: Jeante Strydom; Akosua Mensah; Nozipho Ntshangase; Ane Retief; Monique Reyneke; Pamela Chukwu
“As a team we are truly honoured to be included in the SPAR Challenge and we are determined to give our best performance,” said Jenny van Dyk, President’s XII head coach.
The under 21 team coached by Dr Elsje Jordaan will be announced after the training camp taking place in January between the 10th to the 14th.
“I have full confidence in the teams that have been put together by both coaches and I know for sure that they are not going to Cape Town just to add numbers, but they are going there to compete and make sure that they get the best out of our players. This tournament will urge us closer to building teams for the 2021 Netball Youth World Championships, the 2022 Commonwealth Games and lastly the 2023 Netball World Cup,” concluded Molokwane
Broadcast schedules, fixtures and playing venue will be announced as early as possible in 2021.
