NETBALL SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCE SPAR PROTEAS SQUAD FOR MALAWI TEST SERIES
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/
DID YOU KNOW?
Khanyisa Chawane 1: Newly appointed SPAR Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane will lead South Africa for the first time in an International test series.
Kamogelo Maseko 1: SPAR Proteas Goal Attack Kamogelo Maseko has been named as part of the SPAR Proteas squad to play against Malawi in the SPAR Challenge at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg from 31 October to 3 November 2024.
Ine-Mari Venter 3: SPAR Proteas Goal Shooter, Ine-Mari Venter, has been named as part of the SPAR Proteas squad to play against Malawi in the SPAR Challenge at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg from 31 October to 3 November 2024.
Photos by Reg Caldecott.
INFO SUPPLIED.
