Karla Pretorius Still in the Game, Says Van Dyk

Duduzile Pila April 14, 2025

Karla Pretorius in action for South Africa during the 2023 Netball World Cup. Source image: Nutrition Confidence

(The Post News)- Despite her current break from the court, Karla Pretorius is not done with international netball just yet. According to Spar Proteas head coach Jenny van Dyk, the experienced vice-captain has not retired but will need to fight for her spot when she returns.

Pretorius, last seen in green and gold during the 2024 Africa Netball Cup in Namibia, has taken time off this year for family reasons. She missed both the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series in Jamaica and the Netball Nations Cup in England, and won’t be part of the Crinums squad for the Telkom Netball League either.

Van Dyk insists this isn’t the end for the seasoned defender. “She’s not stepping away permanently—she just needs a breather. She’s expressed a desire to compete at another World Cup, but knows she must earn her place back,” said Van Dyk, noting Pretorius remains involved off-court.

The coach is closely tracking local and international players across leagues, emphasising that performance consistency is key. She remains confident in the team’s growth but says technical improvements and a local professional league are essential to pushing the Proteas to new heights.