Proteas gain confidence ahead of Commonwealth Games

SPAR Proteas head coach, Jenny van Dyk, says her side can take real confidence into their build-up to the Commonwealth Games, after securing a 2-1 series win over England in Johannesburg over the weekend.

While the Proteas have beaten higher-ranked opposition in recent years, they have often struggled to maintain momentum across multiple matches against top teams.

However, in the three-match series in Joburg last week, South Africa showed consistency. The Proteas claimed a 52-48 win in the opening match before England responded with a 61–49 victory in the second fixture. South Africa then held their nerve in the decider, sealing the series with a dominant 65–50 win.

Van Dyk welcomed the breakthrough performance as a timely boost ahead of the Commonwealth Games, set to be held in Glasgow in July.

“It took a lot of effort and hard work, and a lot of losses, to get to this point, so it’s a confidence booster,” Van Dyk said.

“But we also understand that the most important part is getting that win when it really matters in the Commonwealth Games, and we’re not taking our eyes off that.”

Van Dyk admitted there is still room for improvement ahead of the multi-sport Games, as the Proteas chase their first Commonwealth medal since 1994.

“We’ve got some work to do in the next five months, and everybody (in the squad) is on board to make sure that when we hit the Commonwealth Games we are the fittest, strongest and most conditioned, and physically ready for that challenge.”

A dominant first half and a fired-up home crowd powered the SPAR Proteas to a 65–50 win over England, sealing a 2–1 SPAR Challenge series victory at the Ellis Park Arena. 🇿🇦🔥

👉 https://t.co/5XkDWdjJqs#SPARProteas #WeAreAllIn #SPARChallenge #EndPeriodPoverty #EndGBVF pic.twitter.com/d7bv3TxGSa

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) February 1, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari