From loose balls to loud cheers, the South Africans responded the only way they know how, by winning and clinching the SPAR Challenge.
Johannesburg, South Africa (02 February 2026) – South Africa’s SPAR Proteas delivered a statement performance at a buzzing Ellis Park on Sunday, overpowering England 65–50 to seal a 2–1 series victory in the SPAR Challenge international netball Test series.
After a tough loss the previous day, the response from the home side was immediate.
The Proteas came out firing in a high-tempo opening quarter, setting the tone early with relentless pressure and sharp execution across the court.
Everyone was talking about Sanmarie Visser (who was named Player of the series) and goalkeeper Juanita van Tonder, who were instrumental, forcing crucial turnovers inside the circle.
The midcourt was also clicking smoothly, and the shooters were calm and accurate, surging South Africa to a 16–9 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Coach Jenny van Dyk kept faith with her starting seven in the second stanza, and even when centre Tarle Mathe was forced off with an injury, replaced by Refiloe Nketsa, the Proteas never lost their rhythm.
In front of a near-capacity crowd treated to slick passing, spectacular intercepts and confident shooting, South Africa continued to build their advantage.
💚 This is home.
💛 This is heart.
🇿🇦 South Africa is the 2026 SPAR Challenge CHAMPIONS! 🏆#SPARProteas #WeAreAllIn #SPARChallenge #EndPeriodPoverty #EndGBVF pic.twitter.com/2ASV74nfeD— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) February 1, 2026
Captain Khanyisa Chawane praised the team’s response following Saturday’s defeat.
“It was amazing. I think I just liked the hunger. You could see each and every person on that court wanted to win. We went for every ball. Even if a ball was thrown in another direction, we changed our bodies. Every loose ball we were on it. And you could tell from that effort that everyone wanted to take this. I loved the energy and from there just building from that to the win.”
Coach Jenny van Dyk echoed that sentiment, describing the performance as clinical and crediting the players for executing the game plan with discipline and belief.
“Today was a clinical performance and just a team that responded so well to the plan and to what we knew we had to get done out there today. So, very proud of the players and the team.”
For coach Jenny van Dyk and assistant coach Zanele Mdodana, the series achieved its broader objectives: valuable game time, testing combinations, and building depth. All that while still ending on a high with a series win.
One Team. 💚💛
One Nation. 🇿🇦
One 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗡! 🙌#SPARProteas #WeAreAllIn #SPARChallenge #EndPeriodPoverty #EndGBVF pic.twitter.com/65CE2um7ds— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) February 1, 2026
Sources: Netball South Africa
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