Following our spotlights on the explosive track and field contingent and the pioneering 3×3 wheelchair basketball teams, the third instalment of our Road to Glasgow series turns to the court. When the South African women’s netball team steps onto the floor at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Hydro this July, they will carry the hopes of a nation.
Armed with momentum, meticulous preparation, and a burning desire to ascend the podium, this squad is ready to make their mark at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Building Momentum: The Ugandan Crucible
South Africa will arrive in Scotland with the wind at their backs, fresh off a thrilling 2-1 home test series victory over England. While the raucous home crowds of that series won’t be in Glasgow to cheer them on, the team is leaving nothing to chance in their preparation.
Netball South Africa (NSA) has orchestrated a crucial, behind-closed-doors preparation series against Uganda. The squad will assemble in Johannesburg on July 10, with the Ugandan national team arriving on July 12 to play three vital warm-up matches before both nations depart for the UK.
“Preparation is very vital if we are to do well at the upcoming Commonwealth Games,” said Head Coach Jenny van Dyk in NSA’s official media release. “As a team, we couldn’t have asked for a better opponent than Uganda. We have faced them a few times in recent years, including the last Commonwealth Games, and they proved to be a tough opponent.”
NSA President Mami Diale echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic necessity of the series. “Uganda has really been a tough opponent to play against – we lost to them at the last CWG and at the 2023 Netball World Cup, they are ranked second in the continent and sixth in the world. For you to be the best, you will need to play against tougher opponents, and we believe that Uganda gives us exactly that.”
The Chosen Twelve and Proven Leadership
The squad announced by SASCOC blends seasoned international experience with dynamic firepower. The twelve players tasked with bringing a medal back to South African soil are:
Khanyisa Chawane, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Karla Pretorius, Nicola Smith, Rolene Streutker, Elmere van der Berg, Jamie Van Wyk, Karla Victor, and Sanmarie Visser.
Adding immeasurable value to the tour is the appointment of former national captain Bongiwe Msomi as Team SA’s Chef de Mission. Speaking exclusively to Sport South Africa at the SASCOC Olympic House announcement, Coach van Dyk beamed at the inclusion of the legendary midcourter in the wider leadership team.
“We are so proud that Bongi Msomi is going to be the Chef de Mission on this tour,” van Dyk told us. “With her there, it’s just that extra confidence boost, that extra experience that we will be there, and she’s just going to do a phenomenal job with it. Exactly the way she led South Africa as captain for so many years. It’s just such a privilege to know that she’ll be joining us.”
The Glasgow Campaign: Pool A Fixtures
South Africa has been drawn into a formidable Pool A, a true crucible that will test their medal credentials from the opening whistle. To secure a spot in the semi-finals on August 1—and a shot at the medal matches on August 2—South Africa must secure a top-two finish in their group.
Match 1: South Africa vs Malawi
July 25, 2026
An all-African derby opens the campaign, setting the tone for the tournament against the 8th-ranked Queens.
Match 2: South Africa vs Tonga
July 26, 2026
Day two presents the physical and aerial challenge of the 9th-ranked Pacific nation.
Match 3: South Africa vs Northern Ireland
July 28, 2026
Following a vital rest day, the squad faces a gritty Northern Ireland outfit looking to cause an upset.
Match 4: South Africa vs Australia
July 29, 2026
The ultimate test. South Africa goes toe-to-toe with the world number one Australian Diamonds.
Match 5: South Africa vs England
July 30, 2026
A blockbuster final pool match. South Africa will look to replicate their recent home series success against the 4th-ranked Roses.
Chasing the Podium
Despite the gruelling schedule, the belief within the camp is palpable. For van Dyk and her squad, the Commonwealth Games represents the pinnacle of international competition.
“The Commonwealth Games is something just so special,” van Dyk shared in our interview. “All the best netball countries in the world will be there, so it’s almost similar to the World Cup for us. This is something we’ve been working for for such a long time, and the excitement is definitely there.”
“We’ve got a super strong team and we just want to get on court and start playing. We know that we’re in quite a tough pool, but yes, we are confident and we are ready. I think for all of us, we really want to go out there and make the country proud.”
With the heartbreak of past near-misses fuelling their drive, and the tactical preparation against Uganda sharpening their edge, this South African team is not traveling to Glasgow simply to participate. They are going to compete.
“It’s something that every single player works for,” van Dyk concluded. “I’ve been to the Youth Commonwealth Games a few years back and our team got a silver medal there, and it’s definitely something that we want to do this time around as well.”
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