On Friday, the Proteas will fly out to face the second-ranked Jamaica in their first Test series of the year. In the coming weeks, they will also take on England.

Since Jenny van Dyk took over as the national coach last year, South Africa has enjoyed an unbeaten run. However, this streak has been against African opposition, and Jamaica will present a completely different challenge.

Facing the Sunshine Girls on their home turf will undoubtedly be tough. To make matters more challenging, the Proteas will be without their star player, Karla Pretorius, from the Free State.

Pretorius, a stalwart of Free State and South African netball, will take a break from the series in the Caribbean and next month’s Nations Cup in England due to family commitments. However, this opens up a fantastic opportunity for the next in line, San-Marie Visser, to step up.

Van Dyk emphasised the importance of measuring themselves against strong opposition. “It’s my biggest challenge since taking over as coach,” said Van Dyk.

“It’s always tough playing in the Caribbean, but I attended the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago in 2023, so I am familiar with that kind of atmosphere. The humidity may also pose a problem.

Karla Pretorius. Photo: Netball SA

“Our strategy will be to close the gap in the scoreline and then go in hard, aiming for the win.”

Van Dyk also confirmed that star goal defender Karla Pretorius was being rested for the tour and would be replaced by rising talent San-Marie Visser. “Karla has a young child, and with the tour in Jamaica followed by the trip to the United Kingdom, it’s a long time to be away from her family,” Van Dyk added. “I am very excited about San-Marie, and we need to start building for the future.”

The first Test in Kingston will take place on January 18 at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg