The Proteas will host the Malawi Queens for a Three-Test international netball series in Rustenburg at the end of this month.
England and New Zealand were the first international teams to return to the netball court when they faced off in Hamilton, and now it seems the African powers will be joining them.
Proteas in action again
The African contingent impressed at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool with the Proteas making the semi-finals for the second time in history.
Proteas head coach Dorette Badenhorst has called on a provisional squad of 30 players to gather for a training camp ahead of the internationals. The coach has taken in the recently completed Telkom Netball League and called up a few overseas-based players as well.
The 30 women will take part in a three-day training camp from 22 November at Sun City, before a final group of 15 players is confirmed to take on Malawi.
“2020 has been a very challenging year for Netball South Africa as we have had to reshuffle and revise our events calendar for the year,” Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa president said.
“Some of the things we had planned on doing have had to fall off due to coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown that came with it.
“We were all concerned that we may not see our national team compete this year, I am delighted that we will have the SPAR Challenge Series taking place this year against Malawi.”
Africa’s best
According to a Netball South Africa announcement, because of the current lockdown regulations and restrictions, the 2020 SPAR Challenge Series will be played in a bubble environment with no spectators allowed.
The International Netball Federation (INF) ranks South Africa’s Proteas and Malawi’s Queens fifth and sixth in the world respectively. They are the highest-ranked netball teams on the African continent.
“As a team, we have been challenged by a difficult year riddled with COVID-19, we are thankful for the opportunity to play an International game this year.
“Playing against any African country is never easy, but this will be a great challenge for the players, and we are looking forward to building the team,” Badenhorst added.
Proteas provisional squad
Defence: Phumza Maweni; Karla Pretorius; Nozipho Ntshangase; Nicola Smith; Shadine van der Merwe; Monique Reyneke; Ané Retief; Pamela Chukwu; Fezeka Sondzaba; Bongise Wete
Mid court: Izette Griesel; Bongiwe Msomi; Romé Joubert; Khanyisa Chawane; Marlize de Bruin; Lungile Mthembu; Shannen Bartlett; Tshina Mdau; Sikholiwe Mdletshe; Precious Mthembu
Shooters: Lefébre Rademan; Kamogelo Maseko; Nichole Taljaard; Nomfundo Mngomezulu; Renske Stoltz; Sigi Burger; Nonsikelelo Mazibuko; Elmeré van der Berg; Ine-Marí Venter; Lenize Potgieter.
The Proteas, who were last in action in January 2020 during the Vitality Netball Nations Cup, will face off against the Malawi Queens in a three match series between the 26 and 30 November in Rustenburg.
