The SPAR South African Women's hockey team for a three-Test series against Germany in Stellenbosch in February is a blend of youth and experience, with five new caps in the squad of 22.
Marsha Marescia, with 178 caps, will once again lead the team. It will be a tough assignment - Germany are ranked third in the world, while South Africa are ranked 12th.
It will be the team's first outing since their disappointing performance at the Olympic Games in Beijing, where they finished in 11th place, after beating New Zealand 4-1 in the classification match for 11th and 12th positions.
Germany finished in fourth position, after Argentina beat them 3-1 in the bronze medal match.
The SPAR Challenge tournament will form part of South Africa's preparations for the eight-nations Champions Challenge in Cape Town in October.
Kate Hector, with 131 caps, is the second most experienced member of the team, while Tarryn Bright will collect her 100th cap during the tournament.
Other experienced players are Lenise Marais (93 caps), Kathleen Taylor (84) and Cindy Brown (76).
The five new caps are Julia Cass, Pippa Rabey, Cindy Botha, Hanli Hattingh and Loreen Irvine.
Coach Jenny King has been boosted by the addition of her former teammate and captain, Lindsay Wright (formerly Carlisle) as assistant coach.
The three test matches will be played on the 4, 6 and 7 February.
SPAR SA Squad: Mariette Rix, Sanani Mangisa, Kate Hector, Roxanne Turner, Julia Cass, Cindy Brown, Marsha Marescia (capt), Pippa Rabey, Shelley Russell, Dirkie Chamberlain, Lisa Deetlefs, Kelly Madsen, Kim Hubach, Vida Ryan, Vidette Ryan, Lenise Marais, Kathleen Taylor, Farah Fredericks, Cindy Botha, Hanli Hattingh, Loreen Irvine, Tarryn Bright.
Source: BLD / South African Hockey Association
