SPAR Proteas prepare for Commonwealth Games with Test Series in New Zealand

Pretoria – The SPAR Proteas are set to participate in a three-Test series against the Silver Ferns in New Zealand later this year.

This series will serve as a crucial part of their preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year and the Sydney Netball World Cup in 2027.

Currently ranked second in the world, the Silver Ferns will face off against the fifth-ranked SPAR Proteas for the Taini Jamison Trophy.

The matches are scheduled to be held in Auckland, Napier, and Invercargill on September 21, 24, and 28, 2025.

National coach Jenny van Dyk conveyed her enthusiasm for the upcoming tour.

“We gained valuable insights from our tour of Jamaica and England earlier this year, and it’s essential that we elevate our performance. Competing against the top four teams frequently is vital for us,” she stated.

“I’m pleased with our core group of players, but we intend to monitor the Telkom Netball League for any potential talent we might have missed.”

SPAR Assistant coach Zanele Mdodana (Image: Netball South Africa)

Assistant coach Zanele Mdodana highlighted the significance of competing against elite teams to evaluate the SPAR Proteas’ capabilities.

“To aim for the semifinals at the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup, we must secure victories against at least one of the top four teams,” Mdodana remarked.

“Therefore, regular and frequent matches against these teams are essential.”

New Zealand head coach, Dame Noeline Taurua (Image: Michael Bradley)

Dame Noeline Taurua, the head coach of New Zealand, is also eager for the series.

“We are thrilled to welcome the South African team for the Taini Jamison Trophy, as these matches will provide a wonderful opportunity for us to develop our squad depth and team dynamics,” she shared.

Over the last decade, the SPAR Proteas and the Silver Ferns have faced each other 37 times, with the SPAR Proteas winning just once.

South Africa’s highest score against New Zealand was 60 points in 2019, where they lost narrowly 62-60.

On average, the score between the two teams has been 66-38 in favor of the Silver Ferns.

In 1995, South Africa managed a victory over New Zealand, edging them 59-57 in Birmingham and subsequently advancing to play Australia in the Netball World Cup final.

In their latest clash at the 2023 Netball World Cup held in Cape Town, the SPAR Proteas and Silver Ferns played to a 48-48 draw.