The Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg is bracing for an electric atmosphere this weekend as three of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) finest talents trade their Orange Army colours for the Green and Gold.
Selected to represent South Africa in the prestigious SPAR Challenge International Test Series, UJ’s senior standouts Tarle Mathe and Owethu Ngubane will suit up for the SPAR Proteas. The UJ Senior Men’s Netball captain, Kwandile Sithole, will also take his place in the national men’s squad. The high-stakes action runs from Thursday, 29 January to Sunday, 1 February 2026.
The Matchup: South Africa vs. The World
The series promises world-class netball, featuring intense rivalries against powerhouse visiting nations. The SPAR Proteas will face off against England’s Vitality Roses. The SA Men’s Team will go head-to-head with the Australian national side in a hard-hitting curtain-raiser series.
The Match Schedule
| Date | Men’s Match (SA vs AUS) | SPAR Proteas (SA vs ENG) |
| Thursday, 29 January | 16:00 | 18:00 |
| Saturday, 31 January | 15:00 | 17:00 |
| Sunday, 1 February | 14:00 | 16:00 |
Speaking on her three players’ selection for the two national teams, UJ Netball Head Coach and Manager Bongiwe Msomi, said “We are incredibly proud of our UJ players who have been selected to represent South Africa on the international stage.”
The former SPAR Proteas Captain added, “They have been working exceptionally hard, and this selection is a well-deserved reward for their commitment and dedication. Representing your country is a great honour, and we know it is a responsibility they do not take lightly. UJ Netball wishes the SPAR Proteas and the Proteas Men’s Netball Team all the best as they continue to make us proud.”
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