Discover the pride and unity behind the new SPAR Proteas netball kits unveiled by PUMA, featuring designs that celebrate South African culture and diversity.
Netball stars expressed joy and approval of the home and away kits for the women's team as well as for the men’s national team.
Global sports company PUMA and Netball South Africa - the governing body for the sport in the country, unveiled the new gear on Wednesday.
There is also a new unisex home replica shirt – an essential for every Netball enthusiast that wants to show their unwavering support to the national team.
The kit design is a continuation of the United Warriors theme from the World Cup campaign in 2023.
The kit features the national colours and takes the South African flag as the key design element, paying homage to the symbol that binds all. This design also features in the new unisex home replica shirt.
SPAR Proteas skipper Khanyisa Chawane, who plays centre and wing attack, said just looking at the new kit she is excited.
“To step on court with that kit, it's more than just a dress, it's more than just patterns around, shows who we are and the unity we have in the team. I also believe the kit shows culture and most of all the connection that we have with the netball community,” said Chawane.
Men’s netball player, Juan van der Heever said the new kit still represents the United Warrior theme that started in the World Cup last year. He said representing the national flag and colours on the kit is a symbol of us being united and standing together on and off court.
“Wearing the new kit makes me proud! It gives me a feeling of honour and dignity, it makes me want to go on court and give everything that is expected of me! Playing a match in the new kits will make me feel like I'm doing my country proud,” said van der Heever.
He said the kits show unity among all players.
“No matter where you are from or what your history is, as soon as you put this kit on the only thing that matters is being united as a team. With the new supporters shirt also being released it will now feel like the supporters are with us in court and that we are one with them. This new kit will make me play my utmost best for everyone supporting the national teams.
Van der Heever said like the country sings in the national anthem “Sounds the call to come together and united we shall stand”, this kit and supporters' shirt represent that citizens will stand together on and off court, and make people know that netball is uniting all warriors around South Africa and the world!.
PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories.
“The national flag features in the new home and away kits, because we wanted to focus on the enduring strength of the SPAR Proteas, which comes from being united in their diversity,” said PUMA South Africa Marketing Director Brett Bellinger.
Bellinger further said “The kits are inspired by teams who are fuelled by passion. By players who never say die, no matter the odds. Who always looks forward to future successes”.
He said the campaign video for the women’s kit features SPAR Proteas players and the inspirational words:
“We remember the sweat-soaked dresses, the echoes of cheers and groans. Every catch, a shared victory. But our strength goes beyond the court. We are sisters, friends, family, unified by our crest and national flag. Trust. We rise together ... unbreakable. This is our story. This is our legacy. We are the United Warriors,” said Bellinger.
Netball South Africa Netball South Africa oversees the sport nationwide and manages the SPAR Proteas national team.
Since 1992, South Africa has competed internationally, mainly in Commonwealth nations. With a strong grassroots presence in schools and universities, netball has grown into a semi-professional sport, supported by the Telkom Netball League and players competing abroad in top leagues. Netball South Africa’s mission is to connect all levels of the sport, ensuring fair play, proper coaching accreditation, and that all games meet global standards.
Netball South Africa President, Cecilia Molokwane, emphasised the significant impact of a strong visual presentation on athletic performance.
"I am a firm advocate of the notion that when you look good, you play good. Our carefully crafted 2024/25 kit, in collaboration with PUMA, embodies the strength of the SPAR Proteas, rooted in their unity amid diverse talents and backgrounds. I am convinced that it will instil a deep sense of national pride and motivation in our players, empowering them to showcase their best on the court," said Molokwane.
Saturday Star
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za
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