Jenny van Dyk reiterates need for local professional league

More than 20 national team players are currently plying their trade in various leagues around the world, including the Netball Super League in the United Kingdom, the Suncorp Super Netball in Australia and the Jamaica Netball Superleague.

Speaking to SABC Sport, van Dyk said it is encouraging to see South African players gaining valuable international experience. However, she emphasised that establishing a professional league in South Africa remains crucial if the country wants to raise the standard of the sport.

“We see it as a great opportunity for our players to compete in these international leagues. However, we would prefer to have our own professional league in South Africa, as that will help elevate the standard of netball in the country,” said van Dyk.

The Spar Proteas are one of three African teams - alongside Uganda national netball team and Malawi national netball team set to participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 43-year-old mentor believes having national team players competing in some of the world’s top leagues will help ensure they remain match-fit and prepared ahead of the global showpiece.

“It is quite important to have more players participating in the top leagues, especially with the Commonwealth Games coming up. That experience will definitely come in handy. It’s also encouraging to see the growth within the sport and important to recognise the schools, club, district, provincial and university coaches for the continued development they are driving through their coaching,” she added.

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Van Dyk also highlighted the importance of the recent coaches’ indaba hosted by Netball South Africa, where she was one of the key speakers, saying it helped align the country’s coaching structures.

“I see the indaba as very valuable and of utmost importance. It is a strategic alignment opportunity for coaches and umpires in South Africa, and it was an honour to be given the opportunity to share knowledge with other coaches,” she expressed.