The Spar Proteas returned to a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport following an intense and rewarding month-long tour of Jamaica and England.
The team wrapped up its participation in the Vitality Nations Cup where they narrowly fell to hosts England with a 61-55 scoreline in the final at London’s Copper Box Arena.
At a media briefing upon the arrival on Tuesday, coach Jenny Van Dyk expressed optimism about the tour, highlighting the tremendous growth and valuable lessons learned throughout their time in Jamaica and England.
She emphasised that the team made the most of every opportunity during the tour.
“The team has been fantastic. We’ve spent so much time together, and you can see what we can achieve as a unit when we spend that time together. This is a group of players with incredible energy and leadership skills,” Van Dyk said.
“We’ve set out our goals, and all the players have bought into the vision, the culture, and their roles within our unit. We’re very clear on what we want to achieve in the next couple of months and years.”
Goal Attack Kamogelo Maseko, one of the standouts throughout the tour, reflected on the experience, calling it invaluable.
“This was a different camp; the energy was incredible, and everyone took accountability,” Maseko shared.
“We were clear that if we want to be the best in the world, we have to play against the best in the world. As a squad, we grew a lot in a short time. It was hours of analysis and hard work, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.”
The team’s strength and leadership were tested in the final, especially when they had to play for six minutes with one player down after centre Refiloe Nketsa was sent off for dangerous play.
Netball South Africa president Cecilia Molokwane was moved by the team’s resolve during this challenging moment, revealing that she shed a tear as she watched team captain Khanyisa Chawane step up.
“I want to thank the team and appreciate the leadership of Khanyisa,” Molokwane said.
“When Fifi [Nketsa] was taken off, not to come back, I saw Khanyisa’s leadership, and I thought, ‘Now we have a leader and a replacement for Bongiwe Msomi.’ I was so proud of her that I even cried. I cried because I felt we have a leader.”
Molokwane also expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their unwavering support, acknowledging their crucial role in the team’s journey.
