Proteas coach Jenny Van Dyk set for her touchline debut against Malawi

Taking over from veteran Australian coach Norma Plummer in March, Van Dyk will lead the Proteas in a Test series against Malawi at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg.

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The first match of the Spar Challenge is set for Thursday at 6 PM, followed by the second encounter on Saturday at 5 PM, and the final test on Sunday at 3 PM. 

Eager to shout instructions from the bench, Van Dyk has named a 15-player squad led by captain Khanyisa Chawane.

''We are excited. We went to camp but before that we worked remotely with our players. We are working on finding good combinations, so that has been our biggest focus to make sure that we find our rhythm,'' said  Van Dyk.

The Proteas gathered for a training camp last week, while the Malawi Queens arrived in the country on Monday. Van Dyk, eager to lead her first match as national coach, organized two training camps with both local and overseas-based players to ensure they are well-prepared for the upcoming week, and she acknowledges that she intentionally pushes herself to secure victory in the series.

''I put this pressure on myself,  no one has put pressure on me. I want the best for the team. This is the first time we take on the court, so not knowing what will transpire - is the stressful part of things but that is the nature of the sport,'' added  Van Dyk.

Goalkeeper Ane Retief is the only uncapped player in the 15-member squad announced by Van Dyk. Despite her lack of international experience, the coach is confident in her potential and believes she could be instrumental in helping the team secure victory in the series as she comes in to replace the retired Phumza Maweni.

''I think everybody would agree, when we saw her in the TNL and in the Varsity Cup. She is so dedicated and she is so fit, we will also see her in the Fast5 team. I am quite excited about her,  because yes we did lose some great experience - when Phumza left,'' she expressed.

Van Dyk has expressed some concern about player fatigue, noting that several athletes have been competing continuously in the Varsity Netball and Telkom Netball League before now taking on the challenge against Malawi. She aims to tackle these issues moving forward.