After missing out on last year’s Varsity Netball tournament, Juanita van Tonder bounces back, earning her place in the SPAR Proteas squad ahead of international matches against New Zealand and Australia.
Gqeberha, South Africa (21 August 2025) – The SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national netball team, have announced their squad for upcoming international matches against netball giants New Zealand and Australia. This is a series you do not want to miss as the team blends fresh talent with experienced players, promising some exciting netball action. Among the new faces is Mandela University goalkeeper Juanita van Tonder, who is making a spirited return to the game.
Emotions ran high for the 23-year-old who shrugged off a challenging year to earn her spot in the SPAR Proteas squad earlier this month. She will make her international debut when South Africa face the world’s top-ranked sides in New Zealand and Australia during September and October.
Having a role to play in the two upcoming series marks a spirited comeback for the Mandela University goalkeeper after being ruled out of last year’s Varsity Netball tournament.
Her journey into the team began with a phone call from national coach Jenny van Dyk, who invited her to the trials.
“Even with that call, my emotions were through the roof as this was the first step to reaching my dreams,” Juanita said.
The second step was to perform well at the trials.
“Once I got to trials, I knew it was going to be one of the hardest battles I had ever fought.” While she had an inkling that she was on the inside track, she never took inclusion for granted. “There’s always a bit of hope but it still caught me off guard.”
Since arriving at the University in 2021, Juanita has had to deal with the highs and lows of elite competition, choosing to turn setbacks into comebacks.
“Netball has taken me through so many emotions; it makes me extremely happy but it has also broken my heart.”
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Last year was an especially tough one, but it only served to spur her on.
Reward came in the form of a place in the Eastern Cape Aloes squad for the Telkom Netball League, where her performances put her in the national spotlight.
Her first international tour is set to be the biggest uphill.
“It’s daunting but I love challenges and to do it alongside such good teammates is an honour.”
Having ticked off one major milestone, Juanita is keeping her sights on the task at hand.
“Right now, my focus is on New Zealand and Australia. Our team goal is very clear; we’ll take it one series at a time.”
She acknowledged the impact of her support network on her journey.
“I just want to thank everyone who believed in me and pushed me to keep chasing my dreams. It’s truly a dream come true and I’ll never be able to express.”
Who would have thought that missing out on last year’s most esteemed Varsity Netball tournament would set the stage for such a spectacular comeback?
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Sources: Supplied
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