Netball South Africa has named the Spar Proteas squad who travel to the Caribbean for the three-test Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series taking place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, from 18 to 25 January, 2025.
Fresh from guiding the Proteas to the African Netball Cup glory in December, captain Khanyisa Chawane will once again lead the team. Chawane was named player of the tournament and will be eager to continue from where she left off in Namibia. The dynamic Elmerè van der Berg, named Best Shooter in Namibia, also makes the 15-member squad.
Jamaica, currently ranked third in the world behind Australia and New Zealand, will provide a formidable opponent.
The Spar Proteas have a historical record of 18 matches against the Sunshine Girls, with only three victories. Their most significant win came at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool, where they narrowly edged Jamaica 55-52 to secure a place in the semifinals.
In an exciting development, the Spar Baby Proteas (South Africa’s under-21 team) will also travel to Jamaica to play a friendly series against their Jamaican counterparts during the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series. This valuable experience will contribute to their preparation for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, scheduled for September in Gibraltar.
Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane believes the teams will gain valuable international experience in Jamaica, as this trip serves as crucial preparation for the Under-21 World Cup in Gibraltar.
“This experience will benefit the Proteas and lay the foundation ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and prepare the babies for the world cup,” Molokwane said.
Meanwhile, Spar Baby Proteas coach Precious Mthembu expressed gratitude for the chance to compete against top-tier teams.
“The main objective of their series is for their Spar Baby Proteas to start getting experience, and hopefully, all the players will return with many lessons learned,” said Mthembu. “We’re just grateful for the opportunity. We want to ensure that we do whatever it takes to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally since it is quite a young team.”
It will be Mthembu’s first international assignment as head coach, and she is confident she will guide the team to success.
Spar, headline sponsor of the Spar Proteas and Spar Baby Proteas, wished both teams well on the eve of their departure to the Caribbean.
“We extend our congratulations to each player named to the touring squads and wish the Spar Proteas and Spar Baby Proteas all the best as they represent the nation against the Jamaican Sunshine Girls,” said Mpudi Maubane, Spar National PR, Communications and Sponsorships Manager.
“As a proud partner of Netball South Africa, Spar is excited for a year of captivating netball action. We are confident in the leadership and the teams to make this series a success,” said Maubane. “We look forward to a wonderful year of partnership and collaboration.”
Spar Proteas Squad for the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series against Jamaica from 18 – 25 January
Defenders
Boitumelo MahlokoSanmarie Visser*Ane RetiefNicola SmithJamie van Wyk
Mid-Court
Kamogelo MasekoTarle MatheKhanyisa ChawaneRefiloe NketsaJeante Strydom
Shooter
Nichole BreedtRolene StreutkerElmerè van der BergIne-Mari VenterOwethu Ngubane
Technical Team
Jennifer van Dyk (Head Coach)Zanele Mdodana (Assistant Coach)Vinolia Austin (Team Manager)Fikile Phasha (Physiotherapist)Werner Botha (Sports Scientist)Talja Venter (Analyst)Nthati Chabana (Massage Therapist)
Spar Baby Proteas Squad
Mbali DiphokoMichelle van der MerweGiada PrinslooLisa IngwersenThato LegodiJade AtkinsKarla VictorKyla DamesNoncubeko MjaliswaPhophi NematangariKiara van EedenZahrah NoahAmetisse BanduLuca KeunZionne Grobler
Technical Team
Precious Mthembu (Head Coach)Phumza Maweni (Assistant Coach)Denise Bothma (Team Manager)Nontsikelelo Xaba (Physiotherapist)
Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series Fixtures (Jamaica time)
Saturday, 18 January
3:00 p.m: Jamaica U-21 vs U-21 South Africa U-216:00 p.m: Jamaica Sunshine Girls vs South Africa
Wednesday, 22 January
3:00 p.m: Jamaica U-21 vs U-21 South Africa U-217:00 p.m: Jamaica Sunshine Girls vs South Africa
Saturday, 25 January
3:00 p.m: Jamaica U-21 vs U-21 South Africa U-216:00 p.m: Jamaica Sunshine Girls vs South Africa
Original Copy: Netball South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Spar Proteas pictured on day 1 of the Africa Cup in Swakopmund, Namibia this past December. Netball SA has announced the Spar Proteas and Baby Proteas to represent the nation in the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series in Kingston, Jamaica, starting 18 January, 2025. File Photo: Netball SA
Photo 2 Caption: Northern Cape player Sanmarie Visser has been called for her debut cap, against Jamaica, replacing Karla Pretorius. Photo: Michael Bradley Photography
