South Africa To Play Three Test Series Against Malawi Queens | Netball News

SPAR Proteas will take part in a three-game series 26-30 November against Malawi Queens in Rustenburg; the home team will return to an international netball field for the first time since January

The South African SPAR Proteas have announced that they will play a three-game series against the Queens of Malawi at the end of November in Rustenburg.

The matches will see two other international teams return to the field after England and New Zealand met in Hamilton.

SPAR Proteas manager Dorette Badenhorst has worked with her recruiters to name a provisional squad of 30 players.

This group will take part in a three-day retreat from November 22 in Sun City, before a final group of 15 players is confirmed to face the queens of Malawi.

“2020 was a very busy year for Netball South Africa as we had to scramble and revise our calendar of events for the year,” said Cecilia Molokwane, president of Netball South Africa.

“Some of the things we had planned to do had to be dropped due to the coronavirus and the ensuing blockade that ensued.

“We were all worried that we would not be able to see our national team compete this year, I am delighted that this year there is the SPAR Challenge Series against Malawi.”

Due to current regulations and block restrictions, the 2020 SPAR Challenge Series will be played in a bubble environment with no spectators allowed.

This will be the first time the two countries will meet since the Africa Netball Africa Cup 2019, which South Africa won in Cape Town last year.

“As a team, we have been challenged by a difficult year full of Covid-19, we are grateful for the opportunity to play an international match this year,” said Badenhorst.

“Playing against an African country is never easy, but this will be a great challenge for the players and we can’t wait to build the team.”

South Africa team

Defence: Phumza Maweni, Karla Pretorius, Nozipho Ntshangase, Nicola Smith, Shadine van der Merwe, Monique Reyneke, Ane Retief, Pamela Chukwu, Fezeka Sondzaba, Bongise Wete.

Mid–court: Izette Griesel, Bongiwe Msomi, Rome Joubert, Khanyisa Chawane, Marlize de Bruin, Lungile Mthembu, Shannen Bartlett, Tshina Mdau, Sikholiwe Mdletshe, Precious Mthembu.

Shooters: Lefebre Rademan, Kamogelo Maseko, Nichole Taljaard, Nomfundo Mngomezulu, Renske Stoltz, Sigi Burger, Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, Elmere van der Berg, Ine-Marí Venter, Lenize Potgieter.