SPAR Proteas to Compete Against England, Uganda, and Malawi in Vitality Netball Nations Cup
Nottingham – The SPAR Proteas have transitioned from the warm atmosphere of Jamaica to the cooler climate of Britain for the Vitality Netball Nations Cup against England, Uganda, and Malawi happening this weekend. Head coach Jenny van Dyk is confident that her players are prepared for this new challenge.
“This tour has provided an excellent opportunity to gauge our resilience and mental fitness,” Van Dyk commented.
“The shift in climate feels refreshing. We took measures during our journey from Jamaica to minimize jet lag, including keeping the players awake at certain intervals.”
“It won’t always be easy, but we must learn to handle these challenges if we aim to compete with the top teams in the world,” she added.
Van Dyk highlighted that the Nations Cup serves as a crucial part of the team’s preparation for the Commonwealth Games slated for next year.
“Our opening match is set against Uganda on Saturday, but we are also strategizing for our subsequent match against England the next day (Sunday).
“We need to adapt to varying styles of play. The African teams bring their unique style, as does England, and we have to be equipped to face them all,” Van Dyk explained.
Assistant coach Zanele Mdodana, a member of the last SPAR Proteas team that toured Jamaica in 2012, noted a significant improvement in Jamaica’s gameplay.
“Many of their players are engaged in League netball in Australia, which has strengthened their performance.”
“We gained valuable insights from our matches there, despite losing all three, and this will be beneficial for us in the Nations Cup,” she added.
“Our players have improved because of this experience, and I am thrilled to witness the team’s overall growth.”
SPAR Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane expressed the team’s enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge.
“We haven’t had an experience like this since the World Cup in 2023. We want to apply all the lessons learned in Jamaica,” Chawane stated.
She added that the team would not be deterred by the support for the English side.
“Nothing can compare to Jamaica – the vuvuzelas, the banging of pot lids, and the overwhelming noise.”
“We struggled to hear our coaches’ instructions. However, in England, the arenas are larger, and the noise level will not be as intense,” Chawane elaborated.
She affirmed that the team’s determination to win remains undiminished despite the setbacks against Jamaica.
“This team will always fight until the last second.”
Debutant goalkeeper Syntiche Kabuya expressed her excitement and nerves about stepping onto the court as a first-time SPAR Proteas player.
“Receiving the call to travel to England as a replacement for Nicola Smith filled me with pride and honor,” Kabuya shared.
“I have dedicated significant effort toward this moment. While I am thrilled, I also feel nervous as we face three top-ten ranked teams and have high expectations for our performance here in the United Kingdom.”
South Africa is scheduled to play Uganda at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham at 17:00 (5 pm) (SAST) on Saturday.
This match will be followed by the England versus Malawi matchup.
On Sunday, Uganda will face Malawi at 16:00 (4 pm) and South Africa will take on England at 18:00 (6 pm).
The final matches will occur at the Copper Box Arena in London on February 8 and 9, 2025.
