Proteas to travel to Jamaica without vice-captain Karla Pretorius

Rising talent San-Mari Visser will step in as goal defense. 

The three-match test series will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston from January 18 to 25.

Following the series in Jamaica, the Proteas will head to the UK for the Vitality Four Nations Cup, competing against hosts England, Malawi, and Uganda, before returning home in late February.

"One change to the squad will be announced soon enough, I think. It will San-Mari Visser that will go with us on tour and Karla Pretorius will stay at home. Karla has been so valuable for us and it's important to give her rest at certain phases during her career in order to get the longevity out of her that we need,” van Dyk said.

“She's got a very young child at home so we've made the decision to give somebody a run a little bit so I'm quite excited about that. You know, a young talented player and she has proven that she wants to be a part of the national team. So, yeah, she'll be joining us."

Van Dyk anticipates a challenging series against the Sunshine Girls, currently ranked third in the world, who recently shocked England in a test match.

The two nations have faced off 18 times, with the Proteas securing only three victories, the most recent of which came during the 2018 World Cup in Liverpool.

Despite this, the fifth-ranked Proteas are optimistic about their chances away from home.

"We know that it will be tough that side, it's not that easy to play against the Jamaicans in their home territory and all the games that we are playing up, Jamaica is three or four rankings up,” the coach added.

“Which is quite challenging for the new coaching staff but I think it's such a good starting position for us because eventually they will have to come to us as well for the next tour series and that means we will be a little bit stronger in the next one. So, a lot of work for us to do but we're not scared of it and we are going to make our country proud."