With only one week left before the start of Spar Challenge International Netball Test Series, Netball South Africa (NSA) have announce the squad to take on Malawi Queens.
The Test series takes place from October 31 to November 3, 2024, at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg.
The team led by captain Khanyisa Chawane and vice skipper Karla Pretorius is made up of players such as Ine-Marí Venter, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré Van Der Berg, Owethu Ngubane, Nicholé Breedt, Kamogelo Maseko, Refiloe Nketsa, Tarle Mathe, Jeanté Strydom, Jamie van Wyk, Boitumelo Mahloko, Nicola Smith and Ané Retief.
In a statement, NSA said as per international regulations, the 12-player team announced on 29 October 2024, will play the first Test on 31 October 2024.
Coach van Dyk could make changes to her team from the original squad of 15 players for the clashes on 2 and 3 November 2024.
“The highly anticipated clash will bring a thrilling three-match netball test series between the two African netball powerhouses to the iconic Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg. This series promises to reignite the fierce competition between these African netball giants,” read the statement.
Chawane will lead the team for the first time after Bongiwe Msomi who captained the team for eight years.
South Africa, fifth on the world rankings, and the seventh-placed Malawi will be in an exciting battle for the African continent’s supremacy.
The historical rivalry runs deep, with South Africa seeking to maintain its recent dominance after claiming victory in the 2020 Spar Challenge series.
