Spar Proteas clinch fifth Africa Netball Cup title

By Omphile Mokwena

The SPAR Proteas capped a successful campaign by defending their Africa Netball Cup crown with a 56–34 win over Uganda in the final played in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Sunday. The result secured South Africa a record fifth continental title.

Facing a familiar rival, the Proteas entered the final aware of Uganda’s physical style and pace. Head coach Jenny van Dyk said the team prepared for a contest that would be decided in the shooting circle and by defensive discipline.

“Uganda will make you work hard on the netball court,” van Dyk said. “We knew we needed a solid game plan and had to come in strong. From the outset, we understood this game would be won in the circle.”

South Africa set the tone early. A changed starting combination from the semi-final against Zimbabwe saw Elmeré van der Berg lead the team in the absence of regular captain Khanyisa Chawane. The Proteas applied pressure from the first whistle and opened a 16–7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The same seven took the court in the second quarter, where South Africa’s defence restricted Uganda to nine goals. The Proteas added 11 of their own to head into the break with a 27–16 advantage.

Midway through the match, tactical adjustments followed a caution to defender Refiloe Nketsa. Sanmarie Visser came on at goal defence, with Jamie van Wyk shifting to wing defence. The changes settled the backline and allowed South Africa to control the third quarter, which they won 17–10 to extend their lead to 44–26.

Uganda continued to challenge in the final quarter, but South Africa maintained structure and patience on attack. The Proteas closed out the match at 56–34, sealing the title without allowing the gap to narrow.

“I must thank Uganda for a great game of netball and for such a competitive final,” van Dyk said. “As a team, we set ourselves a target of scoring 60. We fell short today, but what matters is that we are champions.”

Earlier in the day, South Africa’s men’s team also defended their African title with a 40–29 victory over Zimbabwe. Coached by Jabulani Vilane, the men claimed the championship for the second time in three years.

The double triumph underlined South Africa’s continued strength in African netball and closed a successful tournament for both national teams.