The tournament takes place from 19–26 September 2026, with the SPAR Proteas arriving as the reigning champions and looking to build on their success while continuing to develop the depth within the squad.
With South Africa already qualified for the next World Cup, Netball South Africa has taken the opportunity to rest some key players and give other members of the squad valuable international experience.
Kamogelo Maseko will lead the team as captain, while senior players including Khanyisa Chawane and Tarle Mathe are not part of the travelling squad.
According to Netball South Africa, the changes present an important opportunity for the players coming into the team to test themselves at international level.
“This is going to be a very important test for the new players as well as an opportunity to work on the depth we want to continue to build within the squad,” Netball South Africa said.
The team will assemble for camp on 14 September before travelling to Kenya on 16 September. Preparations have already been underway online, with the coaching staff focusing on analysing opponents and ensuring that all players understand the required standards, roles, responsibilities and game plan ahead of the tournament.
South Africa will face a competitive African netball landscape, with several teams showing significant improvement over the past few seasons. Netball South Africa has also provided some of the continent’s leading teams with opportunities to compete in the TNL and SPAR Championships, allowing them to gain experience against South African opposition and become familiar with the country’s style of play.
As defending champions, the SPAR Proteas will be aiming to remain at the top of the African game, while the tournament also provides a platform for the next generation of players to gain valuable experience.
The focus will not end in Kenya. Netball South Africa has already mapped out a busy international programme as preparations continue towards the next World Cup.
The SPAR Proteas will attend an alignment camp in November, followed by the SPAR Challenge in January, before taking on England in a Test Series.
These fixtures will provide further opportunities to strengthen the squad and prepare for the challenges ahead, with Netball South Africa aiming to use every international opportunity to build towards the World Cup.
For the SPAR Proteas, the Africa Netball Cup will therefore be an opportunity to defend their continental title while giving new players the chance to step up, gain international experience and contribute to the continued growth of the squad.