SPAR Proteas Secure Spot in Africa Netball Cup Final with Convincing Win Over Zimbabwe

Posted : 13 December 2025

The SPAR Proteas have booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Netball Cup after a commanding 84–32 victory over Zimbabwe in the semifinals on Saturday in Lilongwe, Malawi. Having gone undefeated in the group stage, South Africa faced Zimbabwe in the last-four match with momentum firmly on their side.

From the outset, the Proteas dominated proceedings. They applied early pressure and quickly settled into a composed rhythm, leaving Zimbabwe trailing 18–7 by the end of the first quarter despite a spirited start from the Gems. Coach Jenny van Dyk made two strategic changes to the lineup from the previous match against Botswana, bringing in half-centurion Elmeré van der Berg and Refiloe Nketsa to strengthen the team’s defensive and attacking structure.

The second quarter saw South Africa extend their advantage with sharper ball movement and sustained defensive intensity. Tarle Mathe excelled in feeding the shooting circle, while the defensive pairing of Nicola Smith and Jamie van Wyk remained vigilant against Zimbabwe’s attacks. By halftime, the Proteas had added 22 goals to their tally while restricting Zimbabwe to nine, entering the break with a commanding lead.

In the third quarter, South Africa continued to assert their authority, capitalizing on turnovers and executing their attacks with precision. Coach van Dyk rotated the bench, introducing Rolene Streutker, Kamogelo Maseko, Kyla Dames, and Juanita van Tonder, maintaining team intensity while adding fresh legs. The Proteas added another 20 goals to their score, leaving Zimbabwe with seven and holding a 60–23 advantage heading into the final quarter.

The Proteas closed out the match in the fourth quarter with disciplined play and consistent pressure. Additional rotations, including Elmeré van der Berg, Owethu Ngubane, and Kyla Dames, ensured the team’s momentum never faltered. South Africa finished with a record 52-goal winning margin, surpassing the previous tournament record of 51 goals set in 2021. Jamie van Wyk was named player of the match for her exceptional defensive performance.

South Africa reached the final after an impressive campaign, defeating Tanzania (104–25), Malawi (58–38), and Botswana (67–31) in the pool stage before their semifinal triumph over Zimbabwe. The Proteas will now face either Uganda in Sunday’s final at 18:00. Earlier, the South African men’s team also secured a spot in their final, defeating Kenya 46–41, with a championship match against Zimbabwe scheduled for 16:00.

SPAR Proteas Secure Spot in Africa Netball Cup Final with Convincing Win Over Zimbabwe

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics