Mbombela – The SPAR Proteas this week conducted a netball clinic in Mbombela, where the players reached out to young netball players in the region.
More than 200 young learners from schools around the greater Mbombela area attended the clinic on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, and were thrilled to meet their heroes, who recently returned from a tour of New Zealand and Australia.
While they were engaged with young netball players keen to learn more about the game, head coach Jenny van Dyk engaged coaches from the area and shared coaching and mentoring tips.
The SPAR Proteas players included captain KC Chawane, a Mpumalanga resident from Bushbuck Ridge.
“It was such a pleasure to return to my home area and give something back to the community that raised me,” Chawane said.
“I was impressed by the enthusiasm and talent on offer.”
Chawane was joined by fellow team members Kamogelo Maseko and Tarle Mathe.
Apart from conducting the netball clinic, the SPAR Proteas signed autographs, held a meet-and-greet session with learners from each school, and took photos.
The clinic was organised and sponsored by SPAR Lowveld.
Stella Adams, SPAR Lowveld marketing Director, was overjoyed with how the day played out.
“It’s our first and won’t be our last netball clinic with the SPAR Proteas,”’ Adams said.
‘’We are grateful for our national pride, travelling to Mbombela and sharing their skills with our learners and coaches.
“This clinic showed how essential netball is for our communities, and SPAR is all about servicing the community that supports us, so all in all it was a resounding success.”
SPAR National PR, Sponsorship and Communications Manager Mpudi Maubane said the clinics were in line with SPAR’s commitment to community development.
“SPAR has been involved with netball since 2000, and we want to develop the game at all levels, from the grassroots to the national team,” said Maubane.
“Netball is the biggest women’s sport in South Africa, and clinics like this help to spread the game in all areas.
They also offer an opportunity to make people aware of SPAR’s campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty.
The young girls attending the clinics were informed about both campaigns and about where to seek help,” she said.
“Coach Jenny van Dyk is also helping to spread the game by giving coaches in the region advice about coaching.
“She is a very experienced coach who has risen through the ranks, and coaches in Mpumalanga will benefit from her experience.
“This is in line with SPAR’s commitment to empowering local communities.”
