Netball SA boss vows full backing for Proteas technical team

The Proteas finished fifth at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, falling short of their semi-final target. 

Van Dyk has since told SABC Sport that strengthening her technical team is one of her priorities going forward.

Diale says NSA is ready to help the coach add more expertise to her support staff, but she also expects the team to show improvement and deliver stronger results on the international stage.

"To Netball South Africa, the priority is the national team; whatever they need, we will give it to them. But what we are saying is, as much as we give you the support you need to perform, that's what it's all about. We will give the coach whatever she needs; we will not stand in the way, but all we need is the performance of the players. Even the coach needs to produce the results," said Diale

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Netball SA had set a clear target for the Proteas to reach the semi-finals in Glasgow, but the team could not break into the top four.

Despite the disappointment, Diale believes the experience should serve as a valuable lesson as South Africa shifts its focus to next year’s World Cup in Australia, where the federation wants the Proteas to challenge for a top-four finish.

Diale, who succeeded Cecilia Molokwane as NSA president a year ago, says the federation is already putting together a comprehensive plan for the World Cup campaign.

She says the strategy is not only about the senior national team, but also about growing the sport and strengthening structures across the country.

Diale says the Proteas remain at the centre of NSA’s planning as they prepare for the Africa Netball Cup of Nations in Nairobi, Kenya.

With World Cup qualification already secured, the federation now wants to ensure the team is exposed to more high-quality international matches before heading to Australia in 2027.