After a full week of training camp that Netball South Africa hosted at the University of Stellenbosch, the federation announced that all the players invited to the training camp will be eligible to come back for another camp before the team is trimmed down to fifteen after the new SPAR Proteas Head Coach is announced.
Netball South Africa President, Cecilia Molokwane indicated that it would be an injustice to the team and the incoming coach if the selectors chose a team for her without her presence or input.
“We felt that we need(ed) to wait for the appointment of the head coach before a team of fifteen can be finalised and announced. It is the coach that will be working with the players, so it is only right that the coach selects her players to be able to manage them as she sees fit. What the camp has been able to do is identify a group we believe she can work with and choose from. For now, the selectors have identified thirty players who they believe are the best out the original invited group,” said Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa President.
The Proteas are currently without a head coach following the departure of Australian mentor Norma Plummer in December 2023.
Netball South Africa conducted interviews to fill this post and Molokwane has confirmed that the new Head Coach and entire technical team will be announced in February 2024, final date to be confirmed.
The thirty players shortlisted after the camp are:
Lefébre Rademan; Nicholé Taljaard; Owethu Ngubane; Rolene Streutker; Kamogelo Maseko; Sian Moore; Tinita van Dyk; Muhluri Hlatshwayo; Elmeré van der Berg; Nomfundo Mngomezulu; Ine-Marí Venter; Khanyisa Chawane; Refiloe Nketsa; Jeanté Strydom; Lungile Mthembu; Shannen Bartlett; Bianca de Wee; Amber Coraizin; Tarle Mathe; Nicola Smith; Jamie van Wyk; Boitumelo Mahloko; Ané Retief; Karla Pretorius; Nozipho Ntshangase; Martiné Jordaan; Nonsikelelo Mazibuko; Noluthando Maliehe; Alice Kennon; Milla Coetzee.
Molokwane concluded by saying that “ because these contracts are supposed to start 1st of January 2024, we will make sure that we backpay the fifteen players that the coach will announce when she finally does that. We are of the belief that the players that are here will continue to work as hard as they have been as we embark of this rebuilding phase .