Kamogelo Maseko to captain reshuffled Proteas squad at Africa Netball Cup

Kamogelo Maseko will captain the revamped South African women's netball team, the Spar Proteas, during their participation in the upcoming Africa Netball Cup held in Nairobi. Coach Jenny van Dyk has assembled this squad to bolster depth ahead of the 2027 Netball World Cup. The defending champions will compete from September 19 to 26 in Kenya, with several key players taking a breather after their recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where they secured fifth place.

Maseko, who assumes leadership of a dynamic mix of new players and faces, expressed her gratitude and responsibility in taking on this role. "Being named captain for the team travelling to Kenya for the Africa Cup has been such a proud moment for me," she stated. "It's also quite emotional, but understanding that it comes with great responsibility. I'm excited to lead a group of new players, new combinations and new faces."

The 12-player team roster comprises Rolene Streutker, Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, Owethu Ngubane, Kyla Dames, Karla Victor, Refiloe Nketsa, Sanmarie Visser, Thulisile Maduna, Nozipho Ntshangase, Juanita van Tonder, Tinita van Dyk, alongside Maseko herself. Sanelisiwe Ntobela, Phophi Nematangari, and Luca Keun have been designated as non-travelling reserves.

For Van Dyk, the Africa Cup offers an essential platform to evaluate players outside the established core while providing crucial rest to key members prior to the next demanding international and domestic season. "We know that we have already qualified for the World Cup, so it's important for us to give more players the opportunity to participate in this championship," she explained.

"We are resting some key players, and that's important because that's the only rest they will get before we move into our next season locally, internationally, and also with our eyes on the World Cup."

South Africa has already secured their spot in the 2027 World Cup in Sydney, enabling the coaching team to adopt a long-term perspective for the tournament. Van Dyk emphasized the focus on unveiling the potential of the next generation of Proteas, with preparatory work already underway to prepare the squad for the challenge. Despite being the title holders, Maseko anticipates a fiercely competitive tournament, as teams are still striving for World Cup qualification.

"It's not going to be easy. It's going to be tough and competitive," she noted. "Teams are going to come out guns blazing. Some teams want to qualify for the World Cup and are hungry for that opportunity."

The team will gather in Johannesburg on September 14 before departing for Nairobi two days later.