In the wake of their performance at the Netball World Cup (NWC) held in Cape Town last month, nine members of the SPAR Proteas have clinched contracts to compete in professional netball leagues overseas. Despite finishing in sixth place at the NWC, the Proteas have maintained their fifth-place world ranking, surpassing Malawi and Uganda.
Assistant Coach Dumisani Chauke expressed optimism about this development, emphasising the invaluable experience the players will gain by competing at a high level on a regular basis. Chauke highlighted the competitive nature of professional leagues in Australia, New Zealand, and England, underscoring their influence on the global netball landscape.
Chauke underscored the necessity for a domestic professional league but acknowledged the significance of players immersing themselves in established leagues abroad. Recognising the diversity in playing styles across nations, Chauke emphasised the advantage of having players familiar with international game dynamics.
Among the players, Jeante Steyn is set to join Southern Steel in New Zealand, while the remaining eight have secured contracts with teams in the Superleague in the United Kingdom.
Elmere van der Berg and Shadine van der Merwe are headed to Manchester Thunder, Khanyisa Chawane will represent the Celtic Dragons in Cardiff, Lefebre Rademan joins the Severn Stars in Worcester, Nicola Smith is set for Loughborough Lightning, Nichole Taljaard will compete with London Pulse, Owethu Ngubane heads to the Strathclyde Sirens in Scotland, and Ine-Mari Venter will play for the Saracens Mavericks in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
Before embarking on their professional journeys, the SPAR Proteas will embark on a three-Test tour of Australia. The series against the Diamonds is scheduled to take place in Cairns on Thursday, October 26, and in Hobart on Sunday, October 29, concluding on Tuesday, October 31.
Photo Caption: Assistant Coach Dumisani Chauke expressed optimism about the news that nine SPAR Proteas have secured contracts overseas. Photo: Netball SA on X
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