Madibaz star Juanita van Tonder to represent Proteas at Africa Netball Cup

Juanita van Tonder will swap the Madibaz blue and yellow for green and gold following her selection for the Proteas squad that will compete in the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya later this month.

The 24-year-old, who is representing Madibaz in Varsity Netball 2026, made her international debut in August last year against Australia.

It was a long wait for the defender who was first invited to the national trials in 2022.

While she did not make the final squad four years ago, that experience proved to be a turning point, says Van Tonder.

“It sparked a fire in me, knowing that it was truly possible and that I could compete against the best. The main lesson that I’ve learnt since stepping onto this level is that the intensity of the game is much higher than you think.”

As a defender, Van Tonder says she places considerable emphasis on studying her opponents and working out countermeasures during matches.

“I focus on the patterns of play and how to adapt faster to the different shooters on the circuit. The mental factor is important to compete against that strength for a full 60 minutes and to keep yourself mentally and tactically in the game and motivated.”

The Gqeberha local says she hopes her Madibaz team can bounce back from a tough start to their Varsity Netball campaign. The team have found it tough to convert opportunities into points this season and is currently at the bottom of the log, still searching for their first victory. They are up against five-time champions UFS Kovsies and log leaders UJ in the last bumper weekend of this year’s competition.

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets HERE.