South Africa international Ané Retief will step into the Manchester Thunder set-up for the first time this season.
The 26-year-old defender made her senior international debut for the SPAR Proteas back in October 2024 against Malawi, having already represented her country at the 2023 Fast5 Netball World Series.
She was part of the South Africa squad at the 2024 Fast5 Netball World Series, where her side finished fourth.
Retief was also part of the South Africa squad at the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup, where they were defeated by the England Roses in the final.
The goal keeper joins fellow South Africans Nicola Smith and Elmeré van der Berg at Thunder.
An exciting player to watch in the circle, Retief's on-the-toes approach makes it difficult for shooters to settle and the defender is ready to step up skills in her first year in the NSL.
“I’m truly excited to be part of Manchester Thunder," she said. "What a force to be reckoned with!
"I’m looking forward to deepening my understanding of the game and contributing my fighting spirit to their success.”
Retief represented Free State Crinums in South Africa, winning the Telkom Netball League title in 2024.
She represented the Baby Proteas and President’s XII before making her senior international debut.
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