Netball South Africa (NSA) President Cecilia Molokwane has announced the final SPAR Baby Proteas squad selected from the intense trials held at Laerskool Constantiapark in Pretoria over the weekend.
After two incredibly intense days filled with exhausting matches and remarkable displays of skill, Head Coach Precious Mthembu, Assistant Coach Phumza Maweni, and other selectors faced a daunting challenge in handpicking the final 15 players who will proudly carry the flag for South Africa.
Coach Precious revealed that the girls showed strong skills and determination during the trials, and as coaches and selectors, they are pleased with the selected squad.
"I am thoroughly impressed with the selection of players for our squad. They showcased exceptional skills and determination during the trials. We were looking for individuals who would put the team first and give their absolute best.
“It's heartening to see the remarkable depth of talent among our U19 and U21 players. Their dedication and passion for the sport are truly encouraging, and I'm excited to see them take the court in our upcoming tournaments," said Mthembu.
Molokwane stated that she is excited about the future of netball in our country and is confident that this group of players can one day replace the players in the SPAR Proteas team. Their first assignment will be the SPAR Challenge in October.
"I have immense confidence in the talent and potential of our current crop of young players. They are an absolute delight to watch, and I firmly believe they have what it takes to become future stars of the SPAR Proteas team.
“I'm thrilled to see them gear up to represent our country at the SPAR Challenge, SPAR Championships and the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar - the future of netball in our nation is bright indeed," revealed Molokwane.
Players who were not selected for the team will still play an important role within the system. A comprehensive development program will be established to ensure that these players are constantly improving and ready to step in whenever a replacement is needed.
The SPAR Baby Proteas squad will commence preparations for their upcoming international matches and tournaments, including the highly anticipated 2024 SPAR Challenge. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the historic Ellis Park Arena in October.
FINAL LIST OF PLAYERS:
1. Simone Swanepoel - Tshwane
2. Mbali Diphoko- Harry Gwala
3. Jamie Matfield - Tshwane
4. Lisa Ingwersen – Cape Winelands
5. Giada Prinsloo - Johannesburg
6. Lara Enhlers – Cape Winelands
7. Karla Victor - Mangauang
8. Phophi Nematangari - Tshwane
9. Kiara van Eeden - Gauteng
10. Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa – Tshwane
11. Thato Legodi - Johannesburg
12. Vivian Venancio – DR KK
13. Zarah Noah – Cape Winelands
14. Luca Keun – Tshwane
15. Ammertise Bandu – Gauteng