Jeanie Steyn’s ambitions to relaunch her international career has spiked as much as the profile of netball in recent years.

After first infiltrating the Proteas team in 2016, the older but wiser SPAR Madibaz netball captain is going all out to stake a claim for a spot in the team that will do duty at the 2023 World Cup.

The sport has reached new levels of popularity on the back of the introduction of the much-vaunted Varsity Netball series coupled with the national team’s semi-final performance at the World Cup this past July.

Star of the show

Steyn, who played a starring role in this year’s Varsity Netball campaign during which she was named MTN Interceptor of the Match three times, relishes the challenge that lies ahead.

“Varsity Netball has most definitely resulted in the sport becoming more competitive,” says the 25-year-old who is focused on staying one step ahead of an equally motivated and talented crop of youngsters.

“Players are beginning to gain exposure through international contracts and the fact that we will host the 2023 World Cup has raised the performance levels.

“We have a national training camp coming up and, going forward, I will be focused very much on trying to earn a spot in the national team.”

She has revelled in the opportunities she has received at Nelson Mandela University, where she is currently tackling her honours year of a visual arts degree, since relocating from Pretoria in 2016.

SPAR Madibaz netball captain Jeanie Steyn is targeting a spot in the Proteas team for the 2023 World Cup in South Africa. Photo: Carlo Jonkerman

Jumping the fence

Having enjoyed glimpses of both sides of the metaphoric fence, Steyn warns that “we don’t have to stand back for anyone and we need to retain our local talent because it’s not always better elsewhere”.

The players have not been on a solo quest for excellence as they are able to tap into the expertise and scientific approach offered by the varsity’s High-Performance Centre.

“That has been a massive benefit, helping us to have a dedicated gym programme and a great support structure as we seek to constantly improve our games through better conditioning and training.”

For Steyn, the launch of the second phase of her mission is imminent and the target date of 2023 is circled in red.