Zanele Mdodana backing Spar Proteas squad for upcoming season

This is after Netball South Africa announced the 15-player squad to don the green and gold for the 2025/26 season.

Speaking at the virtual media presser, Mdodana adds that the recently concluded Telkom Netball League came in handy to allow the technical team to select some of the top players in the country.

"For us, it is all about every single player's performance, how they understand the players around them, and if they are capable of playing at an international level.

"Just because you are doing well in the domestic Netball league, doesn't mean you are going to be automatically selected for the Proteas. So we used those matches against Jamaica and England as part of the selection process," stressed the coach. 

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Mdodana further unpacks the selection process, stating that players were selected to undergo intense trials to help raise their hands for an important spot in the national team.

"These players understand the standard and what qualities they should possess in order to wear the Proteas badge on their chest.

"It was a long, hard deliberation before we selected our players, but we eventually cut the initial group of 30 down to 15."

The 41-year-old mentor adds they had invited some of the top coaches, including Botswana national team coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm and championship-winning coach Dr Elsje Jordaan to help with the selection process.

Additionally, Netball South Africa acting President Mami Diale confirmed that the selected 15-player squad will partake in the coming series against world number one and two, New Zealand and Austria, from 24 September.

Spar Proteas Team 2025/26:

Khanyisa Chawane (C), Nicholé Breedt, Entle Futshane, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Nozipho Ntshangase, Nicola Smith, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré van der Berg, Shadine van der Merwe, Juanita van Tonder, Jamie van Wyk, Sanmarie Visser