Inspired by her mother, Juanita van Tonder’s journey in netball started in her home. The defensive player used to follow her mother around to her netball practices until she was bitten by the bug.
Her love for the game started when she was only in primary school, fuelled by her mother’s love for the game. Little did she know that the sport would grow on her and lead her to the Spar Proteas.
Even though her mother, Nina van Niekerk, never got to play in the semi-professional or the national level, van Tonder believes that her journey in the senior national team is triumph for both.
“She played at club level until I was 14 years old and going into high school. She was so proud of me reaching my dream. As a mom your dream is for your kids to reach their dreams. She is my biggest supporter. The support that I get from her throughout my whole netball journey, from paying for my netball tekkies and for my netball tours. Making sure that I’m always able to get to netball practices. It is love that you cannot describe and I am truly grateful for her,” she said.
Van Tonder’s national team debut was a dream come true. She was one of two new call-ups in the Proteas squad, Entle Futshane was the other player that travelled to New Zealand and Australia.
Van Tonder took to court in South Africa’s last leg of the Australasian tour, she played in the final test match against World champions, Australia.
Although South Africa went down 65-42 to the Aussie Diamonds, the Eastern Cape Aloes player is happy to have begun her senior journey against a top team.
“Playing against a top team like Australia pushed me to new heights. I learnt so much from the experience and to know where to apply the things that I have learnt. Australia is the best in the world and in my debut, I played against another debutante from Australia, Lucy Wilson. Being able to be on court and to play against top level players with the most developed skills, I had to tell myself to remain focused in that moment on court. It was a big learning experience,” she said.
DREAMING BIG
The Aloes player says although her Telkom Netball League side didn’t do well in the 2025 season, van Tonder is satisfied that her performances were able to draw some attention to her.
The Eastern Cape side finished sixth in Division One of the league after winning only one match in the league.
The former Eastern Cape Comets captain says she always tries to bring her A-game on court.
“Having the dream of playing for the Proteas, I have always tried to give 110 per cent on court. This season and last season our team didn’t do as well but it provided me with an opportunity to fight and showcase what I have. I always try to give everything,” she said.
The goal defence’s netball dream goes beyond playing only in the country. She says she hopes her journey in the green and gold will open opportunities to someday secure an overseas contract.
“I would like to continue my journey with the Spar Proteas. When you reach the first step of your dream you always think ‘how can you dream bigger?’ So, for me the goal is to continue with the Proteas, touring with them and hopefully one day get a contract overseas. That would be very amazing. Being able to be recognised and to keep getting experiences where I can play and live out my passion that I have for netball,” she said.
Van Tonder’s journey began when she was a little girl but moving to the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) gave her a chance to fine tune her game.
Playing under former Proteas and SA Fast5 captain, Jeanie Steyn and newly elected NSA Director of Selection, Lana Krige, has sharpen her game.
The legendary Krige has coached many players that have represented South Africa including Proteas assistant coach, Zanele Mdodana, Dumisani Chauke, Simi Mdaka and Zanele Vimbela.
“A coach plays a big role in a player’s journey. We had a panel discussion the other night, coach Lana coached coach Zan (Mdodana) and she coached me. Now coach Zan coaches me, it is like a full circle moment for NMU representatives being coached by elite coaches. They have so much knowledge to give, they are the best. They are so experienced and to be able to receive that is just amazing. Playing at Madiba’s netball and being coached by Lana, who is one of the best defending coaches in South Africa, and Jeanie, I have learnt a lot. Knowing the technical things on court and being handed the tools to go on court, just to execute that,” she said.