Madibaz netball goalkeeper Juanita van Tonder will make her debut for South Africa next month following her selection for the SPAR Proteas for their tour of Australia and New Zealand. Photo: Varsity Sports
The 23-year-old will make her international debut when South Africa face the world’s top-ranked sides in New Zealand and Australia during September and October.
Having a role to play in the two upcoming series mark a spirited comeback for the Mandela University goalkeeper after being ruled out of last year’s Varsity Netball tournament.
Her journey into the team began with a phone call from national coach Jenny van Dyk, who invited her to the trials.
“Even with that call, my emotions were through the roof as this was the first step to reaching my dreams,” Van Tonder, a sport management student at Mandela University, said.
The second step was to perform well at the trials, which she did.
“Once I got to trials, I knew it was going to be one of the hardest battles I had ever fought.”
While she had an inkling that she was on the inside track, she never took inclusion for granted.
“There’s always a bit of hope but it still caught me off guard,” she admitted.
Since arriving at the University in 2021, Van Tonder has had to deal with the highs and lows of elite competition, choosing to turn setbacks into comebacks.
“Netball has taken me through so many emotions; it makes me extremely happy but it has also broken my heart.”
Last year was an especially tough one but it only served to spur her on.
Reward came in the form of a place in the Eastern Cape Aloes squad for the Telkom Netball League, where her performances put her in the national spotlight.
“That is where the best of the best competes,” she explained.
Her first international tour will be her sternest test yet.
“It’s daunting but I love challenges and to do it alongside such good teammates is an honour.”
Having ticked off one major milestone, Van Tonder is keeping her sights on the task at hand.
“Right now, my focus is on New Zealand and Australia. Our team goal is very clear; we’ll take it one series at a time.”
She acknowledged the impact of her support network on her journey.
“I just want to thank everyone who believed in me and pushed me to keep chasing my dreams.
“It’s truly a dream come true and I’ll never be able to express my full gratitude.”