Netball South Africa (NSA) have announced a formidable Spar Proteas squad for the upcoming Spar Challenge international test series against the Malawi Queens, set to take place in Johannesburg from 31 October to 3 November 2024.
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 29 October.
As per international regulations, the 12-player team announced on 29 October will be committed to play the first test on 31 October, but for the remaining two tests on 2 and 3 November 2024, 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.
The 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 are currently ranked seventh, and they 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.
KEY MILESTONES AND RECORDS
Over the course of 38 matches, the Spar Proteas have emerged as the dominant force, securing 25 victories and suffering only 12 losses. One draw has also been recorded in their encounters.
• Largest Victories: South Africa's most emphatic win came in 2020 when they defeated Malawi by a staggering 41-goal margin (69-28) in the 2020 Spar Challenge staged at Sun City. Malawi's biggest victory over South Africa came in a curtain raiser match to Australia v New Zealand, with a 24-goal triumph (61-37) in 2011 in Perth.
• Highest Scores: South Africa's highest-scoring match against Malawi was a 77-53 victory at the 1995 World Netball Championships in Birmingham while Malawi's best offensive performance came in 2011, scoring 61 goals against South Africa in a curtain raiser match in Perth for Australia v New Zealand.
FULL SPAR PROTEAS SQUAD
Shooters: Ine-Marí Venter, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré Van Der Berg, Owethu Ngubane, Nicholé Breedt
Mid-Court: Khanyisa Chawane (C), Kamogelo Maseko, Refiloe Nketsa, Tarle Mathe, Jeanté Strydom
Defenders: Jamie van Wyk, Boitumelo Mahloko, Karla Pretorius (VC), Nicola Smith, Ané Retief