NSL stars selected to represent South Africa in test series vs Australia

Their first international series following the Netball World Cup in the summer, the SPAR Proteas will travel down under to face world champions Australia in a three-match test series this October.

Owethu Ngubane, Khanyisa Chawane, Nicola Smith, Lefébre Rademan, Elmeré van der Berg; Ine-Marí Venter; Nicholé Taljaard are amongst those selected, all set to come back to or join the NSL in 2024. 

Sesandile Owethu Ngubane (Sammy).

The South African international star made her debut on the world stage at the 2023 Netball World Cup, proving her talent which will be injected into the 2024 NSL season with Strathclyde Sirens. Ngubane disclosed that she had a tough time starting out in netball, however, her love for the sport did not let that hold her back.

“I had a bad start with netball in primary school, but I didn’t let that stop me from trying again. I am proud of where I am now.”

Now selected for this series, Ngubane will be hoping to strengthen her game which she can then bring into the Super League next year.

Khanyisa Chawane

Joining newly branded Cardiff Dragons in 2024, South Africa international Khanyisa Chawane, is back in the NSL after a short spell with Team Bath in 2020, cut short by COVID. After representing South Africa at the 2019 Netball World Cup, Chawane is excited to be donning the Proteas dress once again.

Nicola Smith

23-year-old defender Nicola Smith has also been named in the squad. As a new signing for title winning team, Loughborough Lightning, Smith joins the team fresh from the 2023 Netball World Cup where her nation finished sixth in the world.

Following in the footsteps of fellow countrywoman Zanele Vimbela who has departed Lightning this season, Smith hopes to benefit from the championship winning outfit in 2024.

Lefébre Rademan

Formerly of Celtic (now Cardiff) Dragons and London Pulse, Rademan was called up to the South Africa Proteas squad for the Netball World Cup as a travelling reserve, 10 months after tearing her ACL.

Now, after signing for Severn Stars in the summer, Rademan will be travelling to Australia to represent her country. Rademan’s shooting abilities will be joining fellow South African Sigi Burger at Severn Stars for the 2024 season, hoping to strengthen their attacking unit and bringing vital skills she has learned on the international scene into the NSL.

Elmeré van der Berg

Completing the line up for Manchester Thunder during the 2023 Signing Window was South African shooting star Elemerè van der Berg. With the unfortunate withdrawal from the NSL of Lenize Potgieter due to medical reasons, Thunder will be welcoming Elmerè, another dynamic Proteas shooter who shone on the world stage at the Netball World Cup.

With van der Berg now venturing to the other side of the world for this series, her knowledge and understanding of the game will only be strengthened by playing against the current world champions.

Speaking about her excitement of joining the club, Elmerè said:

“I’M VERY EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO COME OVER TO THE UK AND PLAY, AND THERE’S LOADS OF OPPORTUNITIES THAT I CAN GET GOING THERE. I HEARD THE CLUB [THUNDER] IS LIKE A SMALL FAMILY AND EVERYONE GETS ALONG WELL, SO I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING ABLE TO EXPERIENCE ALL OF THAT.”

Ine-Marí Venter

Joining Saracens Mavericks for another season in 2024, Ine-Marí Venter has also been called up to represent South Africa in the October test series.

Venter, who finished 8th in the top scorer leaderboard in the 2023 season, shone at the Netball World Cup in the summer and therefore has been selected again for the Proteas to travel to Australia.

Scoring 479 goals last season, Venter is hoping to excel even more next season.

Nicholé Taljaard

A big name from the 2023 Netball World Cup, Nicholé Taljaard is the final name to be released from the SPAR Proteas.

The South African international stunned crowds at the World Cup, with her last second buzzer beaters, some of which she will be hoping to add to the 2024 season with London Pulse.

Taljaard started playing netball at the age of five, and has not looked back since. A sporty child at school, she played a number of sports, but netball won her over and she went on to represent her country. Her international debut came in 2022 against Wales.

Congratulations to all those selected.

The Full SPAR Proteas Squad:

• Khanyisa Chawane (Cardiff Dragons)
• Boitumelo Mahloko
• Kamogelo Maseko
• Phumza Maweni
• Bongiwe Msomi (C)
• Owethu Ngubane (Strathclyde Sirens)
• Refiloe Nketsa
• Karla Pretorius
• Lefébre Rademan (Severn Stars)
• Jeanté Strydon
• Nicola Smith (Loughborough Lightning)
• Jamie van Wyk
• Elmeré van der Berg (Manchester Thunder)
• Ine-Marí Venter (Saracens Mavericks)
• Nicholé Taljaard (London Pulse)

Fixtures

• Game 1: Thursday 26 October at Cairns Convention Centre – 10:30 CAT
• Game 2: Sunday 29 October at MyState Bank Arena, Hobart – 08:00 CAT
• Game 3: Tuesday 31 October at MyState Bank Arena, Hobart – 11:30 CAT

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