"We've chosen a very strong and mature team for the African Championships in Malawi," Kotze said on Wednesday while announcing her squad.
Some familiar faces returned to the national outfit named by Netball SA (NSA), ahead of the week-long competition, with Yolandi Saalmans and Erin Burger back in the side.
"We're delighted to welcome back players like Yolandi Saalmans, who played for South Africa as long ago as 2006, and Nontle Gwavu.
"Yolandi, who is married now and has a child, has been to a couple of training camps and has done very well. She's very talented and committed, and has a lot of experience, which will be very valuable."
NSA president Mimi Mthethwa said that the team was happy to have found another specialist wing attack in Saalmans, as Nadia Uys is still struggling with injury.
"I'm also very pleased that Nontle has come back and has shown that she is keen to play for South Africa again," Mthethwa said. "I think it's a compliment that these semi-retired players are coming back."
Growth
A number of senior members were unavailable for selection, due to injury or work commitments, but Kotze said she was happy with the team.
"It's also wonderful to have Erin Burger [Player of the Tournament at the 2011 World Netball Championships] back in the team, after recovering from injury," Kotze said.
"She is such a versatile player and has so much talent that she always makes a difference."
Kotze said the experience the South African team gained from playing in the Quad Series against Australia, New Zealand and England last year was proving invaluable.
"They moved to a different level, as far as their thinking and decision-making is concerned," she said.
"They have been growing with every training camp, and they are really ready to take on the best Africa has to offer.
Unpredictable
Tournaments in Africa are always tough … conditions are often difficult, and the players can be very physical and unpredictable. But the Proteas played the best in the world last year, and came back with their heads held high."
There is only one new cap in the team, with Colleen Ferreira coming in as goalshooter.
"Melissa Myburgh and Chrisna Bootha have both been out with injury, and so we have brought Colleen in," Kotze explained.
"She's an extremely physical player, and will certainly be able to stand her ground against any other player."
South African team: Tsakane Mbewe, Maryka Holtzhausen (captain), Yolandi Saalmans, Bongiwe Msomi (vice-captain), Erin Burger, Nokuthula Qegu, Precious Mthembu, Karla Mostert, Adele Niemand, Nontle Gwavu, Colleen Ferreira, Vanes-Mari du Toit. – Sapa