The fierce rivalry between South Africa and England’s Vitality Roses shall be reignited when the Spar Problem netball sequence will get underway on the Ellis Park Enviornment within the Metropolis of Johannesburg on Thursday, 29 January 2026.
The groups presently ranked fourth and fifth on this planet have loved some hotly contested clashes through the years – most just lately at first of final 12 months, when the Spar Proteas claimed one win and England one win within the Nations Cup within the UK.
What makes this week’s event much more intriguing is the truth that the arch-rivals have been drawn in the identical pool for the Commonwealth Video games, to be held later this 12 months in Glasgow.
“I believe with eyes on the Commonwealth Video games, that is nice preparation for us as a rustic to see what sort of combos work finest in opposition to the combos that they put on the market,” mentioned Proteas coach Jenny van Dyk.
“It’s nice to have the primary alternative as a brand new teaching pair to really play one of many [world’s] high 4 in South Africa. That’s additionally one thing that we really feel – they should really feel a bit of bit of the environment, so we’re hoping that the crowds will come out and provides them that true South African really feel to the sport as nicely.
“You solely grow to be the most effective if you happen to play in opposition to the most effective and if you happen to beat the most effective… And it’s vital that the gamers perceive the usual they need to uphold.”
Proteas Head Coach, Jenny van Dyk
SA skipper Khanyisa Chawane mentioned she was assured her aspect has what it takes to tug off one other win in opposition to the English, particularly on dwelling turf.
“I’m extraordinarily excited, particularly as a result of the staff that’s going to face them now is just not the identical. We’ve received new individuals who have new issues to offer, so we’re stepping into this sequence unpredictable, and that’s what I like about this staff.
“Each one who is inside this squad is able to carry out for us going into this sequence. With England we by no means actually wish to step again, we’re going to go in onerous, we wish to win this sequence and that’s what we’re trying ahead to.”
Spar Proteas Captain, Khanyisa Chawane
The England camp expressed their love of touring South Africa and the respect they’ve for the Proteas aspect after so many shut battles.
“I believe this head-to-head over a few years has truly introduced a unbelievable high quality of netball – fairly a unique fashion to match-ups between ourselves and Australia and New Zealand. In its personal proper I believe the head-to-head has been actually entertaining and actually aggressive,” mentioned England coach Jess Thirlby.
“We actually respect the eagerness and the momentum that the Proteas have had during the last 18 months… the breakthrough expertise that’s are available, so we’re actually grateful for the chance to hit out in opposition to what we imagine to be a South African staff on the rise.”
England captain Fran Wilson added: “I do know we’ve received a number of ladies in our squad who haven’t had the chance but to play in opposition to South Africa… So, that’s essential for us as nicely, to have some gamers get that publicity in opposition to the South African fashion, really feel the rivalry that we now have which is de facto particular.”
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“I’m anticipating comparable rivalry to what we had final January, however right here on your property soil, so we’re very excited for it.”
Spar Proteas vs the Vitality Roses Spar Problem Netball Sequence on the Ellis Park Enviornment in Johannesburg
18:00 – Thu 29 January – First Take a look at
17:00 – Sat 31 January – Second Take a look at
16:00 – Solar 1 February – Third Take a look at
Spar Proteas Squad for the 3-Take a look at Problem Sequence in opposition to the Vitality Roses
Khanyisa Chawane (C)
Kyla Dames
Jamie Golob
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
Unique Copy: BLDCommunications, with enhancing by gsport
Fundamental Photograph Caption: Pictured on the three-Take a look at Spar Problem Netball Sequence media convention are (from left) Mpudi Maubane, Spar Nationwide PR, Communications and Sponsorship Supervisor; Jess Thirlby, England head coach; Fran Williams, England captain; Khanyisa Chawane, South African captain; Jenny van Dyk, South Africa head coach; and Mami Diale, President Netball South Africa, at Milpark Backyard Court docket Resort in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. All Photographs: Reg Caldecott
Photograph 2 Caption: “I believe with eyes on the Commonwealth Video games, that is nice preparation for us as a rustic.” – Proteas coach, Jenny van Dyk.
Photograph 3 Caption: “We’re actually grateful for the chance to hit out in opposition to what we imagine to be a South African staff on the rise.” – England coach, Jess Thirlby
