- The Proteas will compete in the SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations between Uganda and Namibia, which gets underway on Thursday.
- Proteas coach Dorette Badenhorst says this tournament is the perfect opportunity to try and test the depth of talent in South African netball.
- The tournament, which runs from 25-31 March, is being held in a bio-secure bubble in Cape Town.
The Proteas netball side is scheduled to get their international season underway in 2021 in the SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations in Cape Town on Thursday.
The Tri-Nations series was set to get underway in January but was rescheduled to March due to the country's rise of Covid-19 cases.
The tournament sees South Africa, Uganda and Namibia contest for the title at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 25-31 March.
The Proteas, who ranked fifth in the world, will be without some key players who are playing league netball in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Proteas coach Dorette Badenhorst said on Wednesday that the absence of some of her experienced players will provide opportunities for younger talent.
"The overseas players have been prevented from coming home because of Covid restrictions, but I am very excited about the young players who have stepped in to take their places," said Badenhorst.
"The biggest challenge has been in the circle because the overseas players are mainly shooters and defenders. But it has been exciting to try out new circle combinations and I am very happy with the progress we have made."
Badenhorst also added that this will give her some good indication of the depth within the side as they build towards next year's Commonwealth Games and the 2023 World Cup in Cape Town.
"It'll look like a train smash maybe but I see the glass half full and I take it as another opportunity. Our players in Australia and in the UK will gain a lot of experience and bring it back to our team," said Badenhorst.
"This gives the new players an opportunity to showcase their talents and lowering the gap between the top players and the next players is very important. We need more of our players to play on the international level and we need more than one player in each position and this is the opportunity for that."
Badenhorst acknowledged the squad is in a great mood and are looking forward to dominating the series against seventh-ranked Uganda and 23rd-ranked Namibia.
South Africa will get their campaign underway at 10:00 on Thursday as they play Namibia in the opener and then they'll face Uganda at 18:00.
Meanwhile, the Baby Proteas and the President's XII will also be taking the court during the tournament.
All matches in Cape Town will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4.
Proteas squad, coached by Dorette Badenhorst:
Khanyisa Chawane, Izette Griesel, Rome Joubert, Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, Tshinakaho Mdau, Sian Moore, Bongiwe Msomi, Nozipho Ntshangase, Simone Rabie, Monique Reyneke, Renske Stolz, Chantelle Swart
