Staff Reporter.
The SPAR Proteas have completed a two match test series against Wales as part of their 2022 Commonwealth Games preparations and this is where head coach Dorette Badenhorst gave players a chance to get some game time under their belt.
A notable omission from the bench for both games was Lenize Potgieter who watched games from the grandstands. Potgieter was named as part of the confirmed twelve players who would represent the country at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Badenhorst has confirmed that Lenize wasn’t medically cleared to participate at this year’s Commonwealth Games. All players were subjected to a medical test by Sascoc’s Medical Team before going into the Athlete’s Village. Potgieter did two tests which gave similar results – she will therefore not be traveling with the team to Birmingham and will be making her way back home. Nicole Taljaard who earned her maiden cap on Tuesday has been named as the player to replace Potgieter
“Lenize will unfortunately not be part of the 2022 team going into Commonwealth Games as she was not cleared by the medical team – she is an experienced player, and it is a loss to the team. We have submitted a replacement to the Commonwealth committee now. Lenize will be making her way back home as soon as flights are confirmed, Dorette Badenhorst, SPAR Proteas Head Coach.
Potgieter who has been playing for Adelaide Thunderbirds down under in Australia has 81 caps for South Africa and the last time she dawned the green and gold was back in 2020 against Malawi during the SPAR Challenge in Rustenburg.
Badenhorst has also confirmed that the team will have a few training sessions before checking into the village, they will also do analysis and mental conditioning with the players as they will be away for a bit from family and loved ones.
The SPAR Proteas will play two practice matches against Northern Ireland and Trinidad & Tobago while in the village ahead of the Commonwealth Games.