SPAR Proteas head coach, Jenny van Dyk, has a date with destiny as she will take charge of her first match as the coach of the national when they face Malawi in the opener of the SPAR Challenge on Thursday night in Johannesburg.
The first match of the SPAR Challenge is set for 6pm and will be followed by the second encounter on Saturday at 5pm.
The final test will be on Sunday at 3pm.
Van Dyk has named a 15-player squad led by new captain, Khanyisa Chawane.
”We are excited. We went to camp but before that we worked remotely with our players. We are working on finding good combinations, so that has been our biggest focus to make sure that we find our rhythm,” said Van Dyk.
The Proteas gathered for a training camp last week, while the Malawi Queens arrived in the country on Monday.
Van Dyk says as the days get closer, she is starting to feel some pressure.
”I put this pressure on myself, no one has put pressure on me. I want the best for the team. This is the first time we take on the court, so not knowing what will transpire – is the stressful part of things but that is the nature of the sport,” she adds.
Goalkeeper, Ane Retief, is the only uncapped player in the 15-member squad announced by Van Dyk. Despite her lack of international experience, the coach is confident in her potential and believes she could be instrumental in helping the team secure victory in the series as she comes in to replace the retired Phumza Maweni.
”I think everybody would agree, when we saw her in the TNL and in the Varsity Cup. She is so dedicated, and she is so fit. We will also see her in the Fast5 team. I am quite excited about her, because yes, we did lose some great experience – when Phumza left,” she added. Written by Ntsako Mkhari
Written by: Lindiwe Mabena
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