SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations

Khanyisa Chawane of SA in action during the 2019 SPAR Netball Challenge third Test against Malawi at the Sun City Superbowl. Image: Gallo Images / Reg Caldecott

South African netball teams confirmed for SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations

The SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations is set to start on Thursday, 25 March. The final teams and fixtures have been confirmed by Netball South Africa.

SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations

Khanyisa Chawane of SA in action during the 2019 SPAR Netball Challenge third Test against Malawi at the Sun City Superbowl. Image: Gallo Images / Reg Caldecott

Netball South Africa has announced the SPAR Challenge teams and fixtures. The SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations is set to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 25-31 March.

The teams contesting in this series are the SPAR Proteas, Uganda She Cranes and Namibia Desert Jewels. The President’s XII and Baby Proteas will also participate.

New teams selected

Due to the unavailability of South Africa’s overseas players, Netball South Africa selected new teams for the SPAR Proteas and the President’s XII teams at a training camp held in Stellenbosch from 15-18 March. The new Proteas team consists of 12 players and the President’s XII has 15 players. Mpumi Javu, Director of Selections at Netball South Africa, said,

“The SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations between Uganda and Namibia is very important for us as a team, and it will help us get ready for the ultimate goal which is a podium at the 2023 Netball World Cup which we are hosting. The inclusion of the President’s XII team also forms part of getting more players included in the national set-up and get them ready to be part of the bigger team. I have full confidence in the teams that both coaches have selected.”

Netball South Africa confirmed the players who will represent the Proteas at the Spar Challenge under the leadership of head coach Dorette Badenhorst: Khanyisa Chawane, Izette Griesel, Romé Joubert, Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, Tshinakaho Mdau, Sian Moore, Nozipho Ntshangase, Simoné Rabie, Monique Reyneke, Renske Stoltz, Chantelle Swart.

The President’s XII, under the leadership of Jenny van Dyk, consists of the following players: Pamela Chukwu, Marlize de Bruin, Jessica du Plessis, Shongile Hlungwana, Didintle Keebine, Chanté Louw, Akosua Mensah, Nomfundo Mngomezulu, Alicia Puren, Jo Prins, Fezeka Sondzaba, Jeanté Strydom, Nichole Taljaard, Talja Venter, Bongise Wete

“As a team we are truly honoured to be included in the SPAR Challenge and we are determined to give our best performance”, said Jenny van Dyk.

The SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations series will be broadcast on SuperSport. No spectators will be allowed at the venue due to COVID-19 restrictions.

SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations series fixtures:

Thursday 25 March
10:00 – South Africa v Namibia
14:00 – SA U21 v President’s XII
16:00 – Opening Ceremony
18:00 – South Africa v Uganda

Friday 26 March
16:00 – SA U21 v President’s XII
18:00 – Uganda v Namibia

Saturday 27 March
16:00 – SA U21 v Uganda
18:00 – South Africa v Namibia

Sunday 28 March
10:00 – Uganda v Namibia
16:00 – SA U21 v President’s XII
18:00 – South Africa v Uganda

Monday 29 March
16:00 – SA U21 v President’s XII
18:00 – Uganda v Namibia

Tuesday 30 March
16:00 – SA U21 v President’s XII
18:00 – South Africa v Namibia

Wednesday 31 March
14:00 – Namibia v President’s XII
16:00 – South Africa v Uganda
17:30 – Awards Ceremony