Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Netball South Africa (NSA) announced a formidable SPAR Proteas squad for the upcoming SPAR Challenge international test series against the Malawi Queens, set to take place in Johannesburg next week. 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 October 29.
As per international regulations, this 12-player team will be committed to play the first test on October 31 but for the remaining two tests on November 2 and 3, coach Van Dyk may make changes to her team from the original 15 Squad players.
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 hold 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.
