Netball Diamond League returns as Proteas host Scotland, Zimbabwe

Netball South Africa confirmed on Thursday that South Africa will play host to Scotland and Zimbabwe for the Spar Diamond Challenge after a four-year hiatus.

The Proteas netball side will compete in the three-country tournament set from 22-26 November at the University of Pretoria's Rembrandt Hall.

South Africa will host Scotland and Zimbabwe, following the withdrawal of the Malawi.

SA's President's XII team has been roped in to participate at this year's tournament as an invitational team.

"We felt that it was important for us as a federation to have another major tournament just before we close off the year. It is crucial that the Proteas get some much-needed game time especially considering how busy 2023 will be," said Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane. 

"This tournament will give our coaching staff one last chance to assess the team and look at players ahead of the January Quad Series."

On Monday, the South African squad assembled to prepare for the tournament, with a final team set to be announced shortly before the Diamond Challenge.

All the participating teams will be in the country no later than the 19th of November.

This is a huge tournament for the Proteas netball side as they prepare for next year's Netball World Cup set to held in Cape Town from 28 July-6 August.

"Such a tournament is needed because we need to make sure that we do well at next year's Netball World Cup, the best way to do that is by ensuring that we get the team some game time so that they are prepared and ready," said Molokwane.

All the Diamond Challenges will be broadcast live on SuperSport TV with fixtures get to be announced and confirmed.

Tickets for the games will be available at the venue: R20 for adults and R10 for children.