SPAR Proteas Ready to Clash with Silver Ferns as Coach Van Dyk Confirms Team’s Readiness

Gibraltar – The SPAR Proteas are preparing to face off against the Silver Ferns in the upcoming 2025 Taimi Janison Trophy.

This exciting clash between South Africa and New Zealand is set to include three international Test matches.

In their previous matchup during the 2023 Netball World Cup, the teams concluded with an intense 48-all draw.

Coach Jenny van Dyk and her squad landed in Auckland on Sunday evening and immediately began their training, having already completed several sessions.

Van Dyk has announced a 15-player roster for this eagerly awaited series.

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Van Dyk expressed her confidence that the SPAR Proteas, featuring some new talent, are excited to step onto the court, deliver a strong performance, and bring pride to South Africa.

The recent announcement of Silver Ferns’ head coach, Dame Noeline Taurua, along with her assistants, Debbie Fuller and Briony Akle, stepping down has fueled the SPAR Proteas’ motivation.

“We won’t allow the news regarding the Silver Ferns to lead us to complacency, as this situation could go either way – they could rise to the challenge or struggle under the new setup. Our focus must remain on our game strategy and performance,” Van Dyk warned.

“We have assembled a team that we believe can compete effectively.

“Our top priority is to arrive well-prepared and perform at our best.”

The SPAR Proteas aim for just their second win against their formidable rivals, who have recorded 36 victories out of 38 matches, one draw, and just one loss.

Given the longstanding rivalry between the two nations across various sports, a victory in Auckland would be particularly gratifying for Coach Jenny.

On the personnel front, Shadine van der Merwe makes a welcome return to the squad for the first time since the 2023 Netball World Cup, assuming the vice-captaincy role.

Nozipho Ntshangase also rejoins the squad, while Entle Futshane and Juanita van Tonder are the only uncapped players participating.

As the underdogs in this series, the SPAR Proteas are fully aware of the challenge ahead.

However, the coach also recognizes the pressures that accompany this status.

“While we’re considered underdogs, that won’t stop us from striving for a victory,” Van Dyk stated.

“We approach every game with the seriousness it demands, and we always aim for a win.

“The real pressure lies with the hosts who want to satisfy their fans – but we must also meet the challenge.”

For the first time in quite a while, South Africa has eight players from overseas leagues in the squad.

Coaching duo Van Dyk and Mdodana believe this trend can have beneficial effects for the team.

These players bring valuable experience and insights, positioning the SPAR Proteas as a formidable force.

Fixtures:

Sunday, 21st Sept – 09:40am

New Zealand vs. South Africa

Wednesday, 24th Sept – 09:40am

New Zealand vs. South Africa

Sunday, 28th Sept – 09:40am

New Zealand vs. South Africa

All matches will be broadcast on SuperSport (channel to be confirmed)

Head-to-head stats:

2017 = New Zealand 70-39 South Africa (London)

2017 = New Zealand 63-56 South Africa (Brisbane)

2018 = New Zealand 51-46 South Africa (Johannesburg)

2018 = New Zealand 61-37 South Africa (Tauranga)

2019 = New Zealand 62-60 South Africa (London)

2020 = New Zealand 48-41 South Africa (London)

2022 = New Zealand 54-43 South Africa (London)

2022 = New Zealand 51-50 South Africa (London)

2023 = New Zealand 61-41 South Africa (Cape Town)

2023 = South Africa 48-48 New Zealand (Cape Town)