Two of the NWU’s finest Varsity Netball players have been included in the Proteas netball squad for the very first time. NWU netball captain, Jessica du Plessis and her teammate and goal shooter, Elmeré van der Berg were both picked for the Proteas squad who will be playing in Jamaica during the Margaret Backford Sunshine Series from 10-22 October this year.

It was a fantastic surprise to both players when they heard the announcement and a dream come true for these Potch based students. “I was in shock for quite a while! I heard my name, and then my NWU teammate’s name (Elmere van der Berg), and then suddenly had to backtrack to realise that they actually had read MY name!,” stated an elated Du Plessis.

She further emphasised that being chosen was a justification for her hard work and she came to the realisation that netball was part of God’s plan in her life.

“A million things rushed through my mind as I sat on the bed, and all my thoughts could focus on was that, maybe this really is God’s plan for my life! My only reaction was to sit there, in absolute awe,” she exclaimed.

Van der Berg was also over the moon when her name was called during the announcement. “I was really shocked to hear my name. I was so excited I almost started to cry,” she stated.

“I am most excited to finally wear that Protea badge on my chest at the most senior level. It means the absolute world to me to be selected for this team. I have been chasing this dream for quite some time, and I am finally one step closer to earning my first cap for my country. I don’t think I have cried this many tears of joy,” mentioned Du Plessis.

Van der Berg, who like Du Plessis represented the North West Flames last year in the Netball Premier League, also maintains that this is only the first step in her road to the Proteas and that she will need to put in the hard work on a consistent basis.

“It is a great privilege for me to be part of the team. It has always been a dream to be able to play for the Proteas. For me, it means still working hard, or working harder than I did previously, because it is a great honor and privilege to be able to represent my country.”

Du Plessis feels that God has had a major role in her selection for the Proteas and that she is just living out His plan for her life.

“I definitely think that God has a finger in this pie. I believe that He allows things to happen exactly when He plans them too. My story has been written by Him a long time ago, now it’s just playing out. It hasn’t been the easiest road, but I don’t think I would have it any other way,” she said.

Goals for Du Plessis in the upcoming series in October is to perform in the best interest of her team mates.

“I can’t wait to experience the knowledge and wisdom of so many international players and learn from the likes of Lenize, Shadine, Karla, Phumza ect. I believe that is an experience. It is going to be a tall order, but I can’t wait to play against experienced international players like Jodi-Ann Ward or Kadie-Ann Dehaney. What an honour and privilege that would be,” she exclaimed.

The 20-year-old Van der Berg thanked her parents for their role in her netball career this far and stated that she would like to represent her country at the 2023 Netball World Cup. “I would like to be in the 2023 Proteas World Cup squad, but for now my goal is to give my absolute best when I get a chance to play.”