Khanyisa Chawane

South African midcourter who captains the SPAR Proteas, leading the team to their first Africa Netball Cup title in four years in her debut match as skipper.

Khanyisa Chawane was born on 14 January 1996 and grew up in Tzaneen, Limpopo, starting netball in grade three at age nine. She studied at the University of the Free State, playing for the Free State Crinums in South Africa's provincial leagues from 2016, and made her senior SPAR Proteas debut in 2018. Chawane represented South Africa at the 2019 and 2023 Netball World Cups, the latter hosted on home soil in Cape Town, and signed for Team Bath in England's Netball Superleague in 2020, later moving to Cardiff Dragons, where she was recognised for her dynamic athleticism and speed. On 13 August 2024, Netball South Africa announced Chawane as the new SPAR Proteas captain, succeeding long-serving skipper Bongiwe Msomi, with Karla Pretorius named vice-captain. In her first tournament as captain, Chawane led South Africa to victory at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup in Namibia, beating Uganda 65-50 in the final to end a four-year continental title drought and being named Player of the Tournament. She was recognised as the Free State Sports Awards' People's Choice Sports Star of the Year for 2024, and continues to captain the Proteas as they build toward the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Dynamic, athletic midcourter with pace across wing attack, centre and wing defence, known for versatility and calm leadership

A rising leader of South African netball, entrusted with guiding the Proteas toward the 2027 World Cup after taking over from a decorated predecessor

• Africa Netball Cup Gold 2024 (captain, Player of the Tournament)
• SPAR Proteas Captain (2024-)
• Free State Sports Awards People's Choice Sports Star 2024
• 80+ caps for South Africa