Following a ten-day intense training camp in Potchefstroom, the SPAR Proteas squad returned to Pretoria for final preparations ahead of the 2022 SPAR Diamond Challenge that is starting on Tuesday, the 22nd of November at the University of Pretoria.
The squad regrouped in Pretoria for trials to decide on players who would make the SPAR Proteas team and those that will go on to play for the President’s XII.
Norma Plummer who was announced as the SPAR Proteas head coach last week will take charge of the team for this tournament, she will be flanked by Dumisani Chauke and Nichole Cusack as her assistants.
Following a two-day trial in Pretoria, Netball South Africa would like to confirm the following players as part of the SPAR Proteas team:
Khanyisa Chawane; Izette Griesel; Boitumelo Mahloko; Phumza Maweni; Nomfundo Mngomezulu; Bongiwe Msomi©; Refilwe Nketsa; Lenize Potgieter; Monique Reyneke-Meyer; Nicola Smith; Elmeré van der Berg; Nicholé Taljaard; Shadine van der Merwe; Zanele Vimbela and Ine-Marí Venter.
SPAR Proteas Head Coach Norma Plummer said, “this series will be a great build up towards Quad series in January - as I have not coached the team since World Cup 2019 in Liverpool, it will give me the opportunity to look at new players that have been selected under pressure, they are currently out training and working with intensity.”
Apart from Zimbabwe and Scotland competing at the SPAR Diamond Challenge, the SA President’s XII team have also been roped in and will play invitational matches against all the participating teams. Players selected for President’s XII are:
Shannon Bartlett; Jessica du Plessis; Didintle Keebine; Sikholiwe Mdletshe; Kamogelo Maseko; Nonsikelelo Mazibuko; Sesandile Ngubane; Ané Retief; Rolene Streutker; Jeanté Strydom; Tinita van Dyk
The team will be coached by Sameshia Esau and assisted by Elsunet du Plessis.
“We are very confident in the teams that have been assembled by both coaches. While the attention may be on the SPAR Proteas, we cannot downplay the importance of having the President’s XII in this competition. The more players we have competing at this level the better because then we will have a bigger pool of players who are playing at the highest level,” said Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa President.
SPAR Diamond Challenge will take place from the 22nd of November until the 26th of November 2022 at the University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall. Tickets will be sold at the venue for R20 per adult and R10 for school-going children.
