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BATTLE LINES DRAWN: SuperSport brings the heat as Proteas face Roses

rugby29 January 2026 10:00
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SuperSport is set to broadcast the high-stakes SPAR Challenge Series live from Ellis Park, as the Spar Proteas prepare to lock horns with the England Vitality Roses starting tonight.

Captain Khanyisa Chawane reveals a fearless new 'plan to win' mentality, warning that a battle-hardened South African squad is ready to turn heads with their unique flair and home-ground advantage.

The court is polished, the lights are dimmed, and the tension is palpable at the iconic Ellis Park Arena.

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SuperSport, Your World of Champions, is proud to announce live coverage of the SPAR Challenge International Netball Series, where the SPAR Proteas will lock horns with their fiercest rivals, the England Vitality Roses.

The three-match series, which serves as a critical barometer for the health of South African netball, ignites today (Thursday, 29 January) at 6pm.

The action continues with a blockbuster weekend double-header on Saturday, 31 January at 5pm, and concludes with the final test on Sunday, 1 February at 4pm.

In a festival of high-performance netball, fans will also witness the Proteas Men’s team in action as they face off against the Australian Kelpies.

These high-octane curtain raisers will take place two hours before every SPAR Proteas fixture, ensuring a full schedule of world-class athleticism.

A CAPTAIN’S CALL TO ARMS: “WE PLAN TO WIN”

LEADING THE CHARGE IS THE INSPIRATIONAL KHANYISA "KC" CHAWANE.

A mid-court maestro and a fan favourite from Tzaneen to the world, Chawane was named captain in 2024 and recently celebrated her 100th cap against New Zealand.

Having led the team to an Africa Netball Cup title and a historic away win over England, Chawane is spearheading a psychological shift within the camp.

“To get straight to the point, I’m really looking forward to this test series,” said Chawane.

“I’m excited about what the team is going to deliver and the performance we are building towards, especially considering how the camp has been.”

She admits the selection process was intense.

“The camp itself was a bittersweet experience. We went through tough trials and had to lose some players, which is never easy.”

“But the players who were selected have truly put their hands up. They’ve shown hunger, commitment and growth, and I’m excited to see what they will do when we face England.”

A SHIFT IN MENTALITY: NO MORE SURPRISES

FOR CHAWANE, THE ERA OF HOPING FOR AN UPSET IS OVER.

The team’s preparation has been forensic, focusing on "fixing the small details that cost us in the Nations Cup final."

“When we look back at the first test against England, one of the biggest lessons was mental,” Chawane reflects.

“We need to stop treating it as a surprise when we beat England. Every time it happens, it feels unexpected and that’s something we’ve worked hard to change. The focus has been on believing that we can plan to beat England, not just hope for it.”

She notes that physical conditioning has been a major focus.

“In the previous series, fatigue played a role. We had come off the Nations Cup after playing Malawi and Uganda, and by the time we faced England, we were physically drained.”

“This time, we’re fresher, and there are new players being integrated. The coaches focused on including everyone, ensuring that new players don’t feel excluded.”

New Weapons in the Arsenal

Chawane is visibly excited about the new talent injected into the squad, specifically highlighting two players who have impressed the technical team.

“I’ll start with Tinita van Dyk. Her versatility really brings something special to the team,” Chawane explained.

“You never know where the coaches will place her, she can play in the shooting circle or in defence.”

“That flexibility makes selection tough, but it also allows the coaches to rotate and balance the squad more effectively. In the shooting position, she’s been very solid. We’ve often relied on players like Elmeré van der Berg or Rolene Streutker in the past, but Tinita brings something different and refreshing to our attacking options.”

SHE ALSO RESERVED HIGH PRAISE FOR THULISILE MADUNA.

“Then there’s Thulisile Maduna. She’s a real hunter on court. With players like Jamie Golob, Refiloe Nketsa and Tarle Mathe applying constant pressure up front, you need someone who can capitalise on that hustle — and that’s exactly what she does.”

“During trials, whenever pressure was applied and opponents tried to throw long balls into the circle, she would come out of nowhere to intercept.”

“What stands out most is her ability to not only deflect the ball, but to keep it in play. Even near the sideline, she manages to tap the ball and retain possession. That’s a rare and valuable skill.”

Advice to the Debutants: "Be Yourself"

With new faces earning their national stripes, the captain’s message has been clear.

“My advice is simple: be yourself. The excitement in camp is incredible. Every player is putting their hand up to play, which makes selection very difficult for the coaches.”

“For players like Tanana and Maduna, they’ve fitted in seamlessly. This group does an amazing job of welcoming new players and making them feel comfortable.”

“You don’t need to change who you are at national level, you were selected because of your uniqueness. Bring what made you stand out at club level and use it here. That’s what we need, and that’s what they’ve been doing in training.”

THE SOUTH AFRICAN DNA: UNPREDICTABILITY

Chawane believes the Proteas possess a unique edge that global opponents struggle to replicate.

"Our talent is exceptional. In South Africa, players can be identified at any age because natural talent runs deep. Someone like Pumza Mbongeni being discovered at 29 speaks volumes.”

“We don’t try to mould players into one system. Instead, we nurture their natural style. That unpredictability confuses opponents. Our speed, flair, hand speed, and variety make us unique. Every player brings something different, and that diversity is our strength.”

BATTLE HARDENED AND READY

The road to this series has not been easy, with the team facing the world's top nations consistently—a strategy Chawane deems “crucial.”

“This past international season was extremely tough, but necessary. Every time we enter a tournament, our goal is to win—not just to learn.”

“The players currently in this squad are the ones who survived those tough series. They gained the experience needed to compete at the highest level. We’ve already been through the hardest moments, so coming into this series, there’s no fear.”

“Being humbled during preparation has fuelled us. If things had been easy, we would have been shocked later, especially at events like the Commonwealth Games. Now, we know we’re ready.”

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE & THE STAKES

RETURNING TO ELLIS PARK IS A MASSIVE BOOST FOR THE SQUAD.

“Playing at home, at Ellis Park Arena, with the support of our fans is going to be amazing. Yes, the nerves are there, but the excitement outweighs them. Having our people behind us and getting to play the game we love makes this moment very special.”

SHE EMPHASISES THE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE OF THE CROWD.

“It’s huge. When we play England, the games are always decided by fine margins —one goal here, one goal there. There are no big leads. We’ve experienced how much the crowd lifts England when they play at home.”

“Now the roles are reversed. Having the crowd behind us at Ellis Park can give us that extra push, whether the win comes by a big margin or a small one. That support can be the difference.”

FINAL THOUGHTS: TURNING HEADS

“I’m extremely positive,” said Chawane .

“Training has been mind-blowing, and England doesn’t know what’s coming, especially with the new players. I’m excited to see this team perform. It’s been holistic, mental, physical and tactical.”

“Playing Jamaica exposed one area, while Australia and New Zealand exposed another. Physically, we’ve grown stronger. Tactically, we’ve adjusted. Mentally, we’re more prepared.”

“We’ve analysed England closely, identifying the little things they do that often catch us off guard. This preparation has given us clarity and confidence; we’re no longer looking to surprise ourselves. Against England, we are evenly matched across the court.”

“The key will be rewarding our defenders. Every turnover must count. That’s how we beat England before, and that’s what we’re focused on again. I’m incredibly excited about this group.”

“The work, the unity, the belief, it’s all there. We’re going into this series to win, and I truly believe we’re ready to turn heads and show England what the Spar Proteas are capable of.”

Rendani Ramovha, CANAL+ Africa Director: Content, Sport (English & Portuguese), emphasised the significance of this broadcast:

“At SuperSport, we do not just broadcast matches; we amplify narratives. The SPAR Proteas represent the very best of South African resilience and excellence,” said Ramovha.

“Through our #HereForHer campaign, we are dedicated to ensuring that female athletes receive the world-class visibility they deserve.”

“We are proud to bring this rivalry to millions of homes, showcasing not just the game, but the powerful stories of women like Khanyisa Chawane who inspire the next generation.”

BROADCAST DETAILS

Viewers can catch every pass, interception, and goal live on SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209).

1st test: Thursday, 29 January – 6pm (Men’s Curtain Raiser @ 4pm)

2nd test: Saturday, 31 January – 5pm (Men’s Curtain Raiser @ 3pm)

3rd test: Sunday, 1 February – 4pm (Men’s Curtain Raiser @ 2pm)

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