The Proteas have locked in their 15 players ahead of a three-match Test series at Ellis Park, as momentum builds before the Commonwealth Games.
Johannesburg, South Africa (21 January 2026) – The SPAR Proteas are riding a wave of confidence as they prepare to welcome one of the world’s toughest opponents to home soil.
The SPAR Challenge Netball Series will be played at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena on 29 January, 31 January and 1 February 2026. Home fans expected to bring the noise as the Proteas look to take on the Vitality Roses.
Following an intense training camp held in Johannesburg over the weekend, head coach Jenny van Dyk has locked in her 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against the Vitality Roses. The Proteas assembled on Friday for two days of high-energy sessions, with players pushing hard for selection as the countdown to the series officially began.
The SPAR Challenge is back! 🔥
🇿🇦 SPAR Proteas 🆚 English Roses 🏴Curtain Raisers!
🇿🇦 Proteas Men 🆚 Australian Kelpies 🇦🇺📅 29, 31 Jan & 1 Feb
🎟️ https://t.co/9Xif461zTm#SPARChallenge #SPARProteas #WeAreAllIn #SAMensNetball #EndPeriodPoverty #EndGBVF pic.twitter.com/dhR3fXFJ82— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) January 5, 2026
With the Proteas building toward the future while still keeping their eyes firmly on the present, Coach Jenny made it clear that every selection is part of a much bigger picture.
“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.”
Coach Jenny was not flying solo in that locker room.
“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.”
The series comes just in time as preparation for the Commonwealth Games that take place from 23 July to 02 August 2026.
“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.”
The timing couldn’t be better for a marquee series at home. The Proteas arrive with momentum after being crowned African champions at the Africa Netball Cup in Lilongwe, a campaign that reaffirmed their dominance on the continent and reignited belief ahead of a busy international calendar.
The upcoming clash also carries a familiar edge. The last time South Africa and England met, in 2025, the series ended deadlocked with one win apiece, setting the stage for another tightly contested battle.
Selected players for the series
- Khanyisa Chawane (c),
- 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,
- Sanmarie Visser.
Sources: Netball South Africa
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