Proteas star Ané Retief looks to work up a storm at Manchester Thunder

Spar Proteas goal defender Ané Retief says “a dream delayed is not a dream denied” on joining Manchester Thunder as a temporary replacement for fellow South African Nicola Smith, who has been sidelined with a broken arm.  

She believes her first international cap played a crucial role in securing a dream move that materialised late last month. Retief made her debut for South Africa in the series against Malawi in October 2024. National recognition came after consistently displaying her talent with the Free State Crinums, who were crowned champions in the 2024 Telkom Netball League. She was also part of the Fast5 Netball World Series and played a starring role for the University of the Free State Kovsies. 

The 26-year-old told TimesLIVE Premium a move to a major league and team — Thunder were UK's Super League champions in 2012, 2014, 2019 and 2022 — has been a long time coming.  

“Having a dream that you've worked towards and you were so positive that you're going to achieve it, it starts taking long then you doubt yourself, then you get positive again, then it takes long again,” Retief said, then paused, before letting out a nervous laugh, as if still in disbelief.  

“Having that roller-coaster road to success, having a dream like that moving to reality was just miraculous. I loved every second about it — the timing of when it came true in my life, the players and management that were around in that moment.” 

The Free State-raised goal defender recalled the day she believes brought her a step closer to greater opportunities. 

“Our [Proteas] coach Jenny [van Dyk] walked up to me and asked me, ‘Are you ready to make your debut?’ My heart reacted with a burn, I was so ready and excited for that moment and also just as I ran onto the court — everybody was joyful with me in that moment. It was really amazing. And also knowing that I am representing God on an international level was a fulfilling moment in my life.  

“Representing my country internationally definitely opened new doors for opportunities. First, being exposed to international competition, competing against other countries' best players really challenges one to perform at a higher standard. It also gives players the exposure to be seen by other professional leagues.”

Retief's recognition beyond South African borders comes after years of hard work and dedication. 

“I would 100% attribute my current performance, my success and opportunities to my years of hard work and exposure that I got playing for the Crinums in the Telkom Netball League, the Free State in the Spar National Championships, all the way through to representing UFS Kovsies in the varsity platform. Those competitions are my foundation and I will always be truly thankful for it because that is where I learnt to fight in court and it made me the player I am today.” 

On the challenge of playing in the ultra-competitive Netball Super League, Retief believes such a step up could not have come at a better time. 

I love the team's determination, and the 'not accepting failure as an option' mindset they have. I'm extremely blessed with this opportunity. The opportunity at this age of my career, I would say is perfect timing. I'm done with my studies, and I can commit 100% towards my netball dream.

—  Ané Retief

“It's a huge privilege for me to have been chosen to assist Manchester Thunder temporarily until Nicola is fully recovered. Thunder are quite a force to be reckoned with in the Netball Super League. I am learning a different approach towards the style of netball, I get to work with great coaches and teammates.

“I love the team's determination, and the 'not accepting failure as an option’ mindset they have. I'm extremely blessed with this opportunity. The opportunity at this stage of my career, I would say, is perfect timing. I'm done with my studies, and I can commit 100% towards my netball dream.  

“I've been in the competition environment for quite some time, experiencing painful losses, great victories. I've matured in taking on challenging situations because that's what sports is — it is always going to challenge you to be better, stronger, faster and smarter than yesterday. And I have grown to a point where challenges excite me as tough as they might be in the moment.”

“The NSL is a professional league and as an athlete who is really passionate about the sport you strive towards competing professionally, get into that high adrenaline state of performance. It's just amazing — no training session can replicate that. 

“I am excited to contribute to Manchester Thunder and their success and enjoy the journey with them.”