African Champions Spar Proteas Ready to Host Vitality Roses at Ellis Park

Following a successful training camp held over the weekend, Spar Proteas Head Coach Jenny van Dyk has announced her 15-player squad to face the Vitality Roses in a three-match Test series in Johannesburg in a week’s time, in Pretoria, South Africa.

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

“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.

“Let me also express my gratitude to the team I work with in the selection process; their unwavering support is something I do not take for granted. I believe we have chosen the best fifteen players for the occasion and the moment. Competing against the best in the world helps us gauge where we are and gives us the opportunity to improve and grow.”

Spar Proteas Head Coach, Jenny van Dyk

“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,” said Head Coach Jenny van Dyk.

The Spar Proteas head into the 2026 Spar Challenge Netball Series on the back of a successful Africa Netball Cup campaign in Lilongwe, where they emerged as African champions

“As Netball South Africa, we have given Coach Jenny all the support she needs in preparing the team for this series,” said Mami Diale. “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.”

Netball South Africa President Mami Diale

The last time the two nations met was in 2025, where the series ended evenly, with one win apiece. The Challenge Netball Series will take place at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena, with matches scheduled for 29 January, 31 January, and 1 February 2026, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Spar Proteas Squad for the 3-Test International Series against the Vitality Roses

Khanyisa Chawane (C)
Kyla Dames
Jamie Golob
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
Sanmarie Visser

Original Copy: Kgotla PR and Communications, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: Following a successful training camp held over the weekend, Spar Proteas Head Coach Jenny van Dyk has announced her 15-player squad to face the Vitality Roses in a three-match Test series in Johannesburg in a week’s time, in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo: Supplied