South Africa and England ready for netball battle in Joburg

The sun has set on final preparations by the SPAR Proteas and Vitality Roses ahead of their series, The SPAR Challenge to be played at Ellis Park Arena in the City of Johannesburg this week.

Pictured at Johannesburg’s iconic Zoo Lake with the SPAR Challenge trophy is from left South African SPAR Proteas captain, KC Chawane and England’s Vitality Roses captain Fran Williams.

The three international test match series will be played on Thursday 29 January (16pm), Saturday 31 January (5pm) and Sunday 1 February (4pm).

Good vibes. Strong bonds. Big moments ahead. ✨
Welcoming England and Australia to Mzansi! ❤️🇿🇦#SPARChallenge #SPARProteas #WeAreAllIn #SAMensNetball #EndPeriodPoverty #EndGBVF pic.twitter.com/kCe9rldlaZ — Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) January 28, 2026

Two hours before each of the women’s test matches the South African men will be playing against the Australian Kelpies in a friendly Pre-Match Challenge.

Tickets are available on shop.netball-sa.org.za or there will be cashless ticket sales at the door.

All matches will be shown live on SuperSport.

Get ready! 🔥

Don't miss out! 🎟️ Get your tickets 𝗡𝗢𝗪! 👇https://t.co/9Xif46123O#SPARChallenge #SPARProteas #WeAreAllIn #SAMensNetball #EndPeriodPoverty #EndGBVF pic.twitter.com/brXL2q0GGH — Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) January 28, 2026

Image credit: Reg Caldecott