Netball South Africa (NSA) have announced a strong SPAR Proteas squad for the upcoming SPAR Challenge international test series against the Malawi Queens, set to take place in Johannesburg from October 31 to 03 November.
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 next Tuesday.
“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,” read a statement from NSA.
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,” added the statement.
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.
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.
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.
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,” said Van Dyk
