Netball South Africa backs Jenny van Dyk after online criticism of Proteas squad

Netball South Africa (NSA) have publicly thrown their weight behind Spar Proteas head coach Jenny van Dyk after a wave of online criticism targeted her squad selection for the upcoming three-Test series against England’s Vitality Roses in Johannesburg.

The series, scheduled to start on Thursday in Johannesburg, is crucial for the Proteas as they fine-tune their preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year.

Van Dyk confirmed her 15-player squad last week following a two-day training camp — a selection process the coach described as competitive and aimed at building depth in the national setup. The squad includes a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, reflecting a balance between experience and long-term development.

“Selecting a team is never an easy exercise because every invited player brings their best on the day,” Van Dyk said when unveiling her squad, stressing that performance and balance, rather than prestige alone, guided the process.

However, not all reactions were positive. On social media, users questioned the selection criteria, with some posts criticising certain inclusions or omissions and questioning whether the squad reflected the nation’s best available talent.

Others accused Van Dyk of favouritism.

In response, NSA moved swiftly to reaffirm its support for the coach.

"NSA have noted the resurfacing of social media commentary relating to team selection within the Spar Proteas setup. While the federation respects the right to freedom of expression, this right should never be exercised at the expense of another person’s dignity or wellbeing,” the federation said in a statement.

“Recent social media posts have moved beyond constructive debate and have taken the form of personal attacks against the character of head coach Van Dyk. This conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by NSA.”

NSA stressed that the selection was made in the context of preparing for top-tier global opposition.

“It is important to reiterate that team selection within the national setup is not the responsibility of a single individual. Selection decisions are made collectively, in consultation with the coaching team and an established selection panel.”

The Proteas enter the Vitality Roses series on the back of continental success, having recently lifted the Africa Netball Cup. They will be keen to maintain momentum against a Roses side ranked among the world’s best.

As the countdown to the first Test continues, Netball SA’s defence of Van Dyk aims to shift the narrative back to on-court preparation at the Ellis Park Indoor Centre and away from off-court noise.

PROTEAS SQUAD v ENGLAND

Khanyisa Chawane (capt), Kyla Dames, Jamie Golob (née van Wyk), Thulisile Maduna, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Nozipho Ntshangase, Nicola Smith, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré van der Berg, Tinita van Dyk, Juanita van Tonder, Sanmarie Visser