NETBALL MEDIA RELEASE
THURSDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2024
AFRICAN NETBALL POWERHOUSES TO MEET IN THE SPAR CHALLENGE AT ELLIS PARK, JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg, South Africa: The 2024 SPAR Challenge sees the revival of a long-standing rivalry between the powerhouses of African netball when the SPAR Proteas take on the Malawi Queens in a three-Test series at Ellis Park Arena in the City of Johannesburg from October 31 to November 3.
South Africa and Malawi are currently ranked fifth and sixth in the world. The rivalry between the two teams is intense as each team strives to be crowned Africa’s number one. For several years, Malawi proved for years to be South Africa’s nemesis, but South Africa first gained dominance in 2011, when they beat Malawi at the Netball World Cup in Singapore.
The two countries have played each other 38 times with South Africa leading Malawi head-to-head 25-12 with 1 test match being drawn. The two teams last met in a three-match series at Sun City in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. South Africa won the series 3-0.
SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorships Manager Mpudi Maubane said in the realm of sports sponsorship and community engagements, few companies exemplify commitment to women’s empowerment as intensely as SPAR. Our commitment stretches beyond financial contributions, it embodies a holistic approach to female sports empowerment. By aligning our brand with netball, a sport often associated with female participation, we are not merely promoting a game but also fostering a culture that champions women. Women in many societies still encounter barriers that inhibit their participation in sports, be it cultural norms, economic disadvantages, or lack of representation. By investing in initiatives like the SPAR Challenge, we aim to address these obstacles head on, opening doors for women athletes and providing platforms for them to showcase their abilities.
Twenty five year later, we are still committed to uplift, empower, and develop women both on and off the field. We do so, not only as an act of corporate goodwill but as a necessary step towards achieving equality and creating a world where women can thrive. “SPAR will continue to promote and support women in sport, standing by our commitment to empower, uplift and develop women both on and off the field. This initiative, a celebration of every victory big or small reminds us that supporting women in sports is not just a sponsorship but it is investing in the future,” said Maubane.
Cecila Molokwane, Netball South Africa President said “As I always say, SPAR is good for netball, we recognize and appreciate the contribution that our partner, SPAR has made to netball over the last three decades. Their continued support allows the SPAR Proteas to develop and showcase their skills against the worlds best, like Malawi. This Challenge Series is a clear demonstration of SPAR’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusivity. We are looking forward to welcoming the Malawi Queens to our shores, respect their play and world ranking and look forward to a terrific test series.”
The SPAR Challenge will be hosted by the City of Johannesburg and City Executive Director for Community Development, Siyanda Mnukwa said “The City of Johannesburg looks forward to hosting the 2024 SPAR Challenge at Ellis Park Arena. This is part of bringing vibrancy back to the inner city and reaffirm Johannesburg’s status as a premier sports precinct in Africa. The inner city is alive with energy and possibility, and we are committed to making it a hub of sporting excellence, not just for South Africa, but for the entire continent”.
Tickets are available from shop.netball-sa.org.za. from Friday 4th October, midday. Adults will pay R100 and children R30.
2024 SPAR Challenge
International netball test series, South Africa vs Malawi
Ellis Park Arena, City Of Johannesburg
Thursday October 31 19h00
Saturday November 2 17h00
Sunday November 3 15h00
ENDS.
FREE TO USE PICTURES
Please see attached free to use pictures with caption below.
Ine-Mari Venter 2: SPAR Proteas Goal Shooter, Ine-Mari Venter, if recovered from injury, is expected to be part of the South African to play against Malawi in a upcoming three home test series. Malawi will travel to South Africa end of October to play the SPAR Proteas in the SPAR Challenge hosted by the City Of Johannesburg in a three match international test series at the Ellis Park Arena. The test matches will be played 31st October 2 and 3 November 2024. Here pictured is Venter during the last test series between South Africa vs Malawi played at Sun City which the SPAR Proteas won 3-0. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
Kamogelo Maseko 3: SPAR Proteas Goal Attack, Kamogelo Maseko, is expected to be part of the South African to play against Malawi in a upcoming three home test series. Malawi will travel to South Africa end of October to play the SPAR Proteas in the SPAR Challenge hosted by the City Of Johannesburg in a three match international test series at the Ellis Park Arena. The test matches will be played 31st October 2 and 3 November 2024. Here pictured is Maseko during her debut for South Africa in the last test series between South Africa vs Malawi played at Sun City which the SPAR Proteas won 3-0. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
Khanyisa Chawane 3: Newly appointed SPAR Proteas captain, Khanyisa Chawane will lead South Africa against Malawi in a three home test series. Malawi will travel to South Africa end of October to play the SPAR Proteas in the SPAR Challenge hosted by the City Of Johannesburg in a three match international test series at the Ellis Park Arena. The test matches will be played 31st October 2 and 3 November 2024. Here pictured is Chawane during the last test series between South Africa vs Malawi played at Sun City which the SPAR Proteas won 3-0. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
TL_2070114: The Malawi Queens celebrate after the 2023 Netball World Cup 2023, 7th/8th place match between Malawi and Tonga in Cape Town. Malawi beat Tonga to take 7th position overall. Malawi will travel to South Africa end of October to play the SPAR Proteas in the SPAR Challenge hosted by the City Of Johannesburg in a three match international test series at the Ellis Park Arena. The test matches will be played 31st October 2 and 3 November 2024. Photo credit: World Netball/Gallo Images
TL-2066643: The Malawi Queens celebrate after beating Fiji at the 2023 Netball World Cup played in Cape Town. Malawi will travel to South Africa end of October to play the SPAR Proteas in the SPAR Challenge hosted by the City Of Johannesburg in a three match international test series at the Ellis Park Arena. The test matches will be played 31st October 2 and 3 November 2024. Photo credit: World Netball/Gallo Images
