Proteas retain their title in challenge

South Africa came into this match as firm favourites to win, as they have not lost a single game in the tournament thus far; however, Namibia, as the hosts, enjoyed home ground advantage even though they lost their match last night.

SPAR Proteas coach Dorette Badenhorst made a few changes from the team that played against Uganda and the likes of Khanyisa Chawane, Lefebre Rademan and Ine Mari Venter were in the starting line-up.

The Namibian side did not sit back in the opening quarter, as they took the game to South Africa as soon as the first whistle went off. Julene Meyer made a strategic change very early in the quarter, bringing in Moolman at wing attack. A closely contested first quarter ended 16 – 10 in favour of South Africa.

In the second quarter, Badenhorst made a few positional changes midcourt, swapping Msomi and Chawane around, Simone Rabie coming in for Phumza Maweni at the back and Jamie van Wyk at wing defence.

South Africa’s dominance continued in this quarter even though Namibia kept coming, the SPAR Proteas made sure that they settle in the driving seat. The defence duo of South Africa made sure that they restrict Namibia to only securing six points in 15 minutes. The quarter ended 32 – 16 to the SPAR Proteas.

The third quarter was a high scoring one and it was the first time in this match that Namibia managed to score double figures against South Africa, they managed to put 12 goals against 17 of the SPAR Proteas. As it has been the case throughout the tournament, South Africa sealed the game in this quarter and ended it 49 – 28. Badenhorst had also started giving some of the young players a run in this quarter.

South Africa’s winning record in this tournament remained unmatched, they are yet to lose a match in this tournament since 2019. The SPAR Proteas won the match 65 – 39 and retained their title as Africa Netball Cup Champions.