Jenny van Dyk finalises Proteas selection ahead of high-stakes clash in Johannesburg

SPAR Proteas head coach Jenny van Dyk has finalised her 15-player squad to face the Vitality Roses in a three-match test series in Johannesburg in a week’s time.

The team assembled in Johannesburg on Friday for a two-day training camp, where players were put through their paces before the final selection was confirmed.

“We are in the process of building a team that will compete at the World Cup — that is how far ahead we are looking. It is therefore important for us to create depth within the squad. Selecting a team is never an easy exercise because every invited player brings their best on the day, which gives us a positive selection headache,” said van Dyk.

The head coach expressed her gratitude to her selection team, noting that their support is vital in choosing the best 15 players for the current moment. She emphasised that competing against top-tier global opposition is essential for gauging the team's progress and fostering growth.

“The series against the Vitality Roses is our last international competition before the Commonwealth Games, so we need to make it count. It will allow us to refine what is working and address areas where we are lacking,” van Dyk added.

The SPAR Proteas enter the 2026 SPAR Challenge Netball Series with significant momentum following a successful Africa Netball Cup campaign in Lilongwe, where they were crowned African champions.

Netball South Africa President Mami Diale affirmed the organisation's full support for the coaching staff and the chosen squad.

“As Netball South Africa, we have given Coach Jenny all the support she needs in preparing the team for this series. It is important for the SPAR Proteas to perform well against the best in the world, especially with the backing of home crowds. We believe the coaching staff and selectors have chosen the best possible team, and we rally behind them with confidence that they will rise to the challenge against the Vitality Roses,” said Diale.

The last encounter between these two nations in 2025 ended in a stalemate, with both sides securing one win apiece. The upcoming series will be hosted at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena, with matches scheduled for 29 January, 31 January, and 1 February 2026.

The selected players for the series are Khanyisa Chawane (captain), Kyla Dames, Jamie Golob (née van Wyk), Thulisile Maduna, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Nozipho Ntshangase, Nicola Smith, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré van der Berg, Tinita van Dyk, Juanita van Tonder, and Sanmarie Visser.