Spar Proteas seek revenge and World Cup momentum in England series

The Spar Proteas came agonisingly close to upsetting the Vitality Roses in the final of last year's Netball Nations Cup international series in England, but with the crowds on their side this time – and battle-hardened after facing some of the world's best teams since then – they will be confident of avenging that defeat in the coming three-Test series in Johannesburg. 

But ambitious Proteas head coach Jenny van Dyk has far more than revenge on her mind against their higher-ranked rivals, with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year, and next year's World Cup in Australia, part of the bigger picture.

“We are in the process of building a team that will compete at the World Cup – that is how far ahead we are looking. It is therefore important for us to create depth within the squad," Van Dyk said, after finalising her 15-player squad to face England's Roses.  

“The series against the Vitality Roses is our last international competition before the Commonwealth Games, so we need to make it count. It will allow us to refine what is working and address areas where we are lacking."

The last time South Africa faced England at home was back in 2023 during the Quad Series in Cape Town before facing them again during the Netball World Cup in the same year at the same venue. The Proteas mentor revealed during last year's Nations Cup campaign that the England style of play was most like their own, which sets up the potential for another tight contest.

The Proteas are a far more savvy outfit than the ones the Roses are used to facing, honed in large measure by punishing series against top-tier Australia, New Zealand and Jamaica last year – all teams ranked above them.     

“Competing against the best in the world helps us gauge where we are and gives us the opportunity to improve and grow," Van Dyk said.

The series against England will be a great test of just how much they have grown.

The Proteas also boast recent high-level tournament experience, as they head into the series on the back of a successful Africa Netball Cup campaign in Lilongwe, Malawi, where they emerged as continental champions without losing a match.

The Spar Challenge Netball Series will take place at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena in Johannesburg, with matches scheduled for January 29 , January 31, and February 1.

Selected players for the series: Khanyisa Chawane (captain), Kyla Dames, Jamie Golob (née van Wyk), Thulisile Maduna, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Nozipho Ntshangase, Nicola Smith, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré van der Berg, Tinita van Dyk, Juanita van Tonder, Sanmarie Visser.