Picture: The SPAR Proteas and SA Men’s Netball Team at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup on 14 December at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 December 2024- South Africa achieved a historic double victory at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup, with both the SPAR Proteas and the men’s team crowned champions on Saturday at the MTC Dome. The SPAR Proteas showcased their dominance in the women’s final, defeating Uganda 65-50 in what was a tense game.
The South African ladies displayed exceptional court coverage, intercepting key passes and forcing turnovers throughout the match against a Ugandan team that fought gallantly.
The SPAR Proteas’ accurate shooting and fluid movement through the court, particularly in the midcourt where they consistently gained advantage, proved too much for Uganda to handle.
They established an early lead, winning the first quarter 16-12. SA extended their advantage in the second quarter to go into the halftime break ahead by 30-24 goals.
The SPAR Proteas continued to pull away in the third [50-33], ultimately securing a convincing 65-50 victory.
SPAR Proteas coach Jenny Van Dyk expressed immense pride in her team’s performance following their triumphant victory at the Africa Netball Cup. Van Dyk highlighted the team’s dominant third quarter as a key factor in their success.
“I’m a very happy coach. The players made us proud today,” she admitted. What the players accomplished today was one of our goals to be African champions.
“A massive third quarter for us, 20 for us and 9 for them, was crucial in securing the victory. It was a really quite hot week, very physical and hard,” she said.
Assistant Coach Zanele Mdodana expressed immense relief and pride in the team’s performance.
“We knew there was a lot of pressure on us after the disappointing World Cup result against Uganda. We had to overcome that hurdle. We wanted to get rid of that monkey on our back and prove ourselves.
“It was a really tough week. No match was easy and we had to adapt to each opponent’s unique style of play. “I’m extremely proud of the way the troops handled the weeks,” she said.
Meanwhile the SA men’s team also delivered a commanding performance, defeating Eswatini 60-39 to defend their Africa Netball Cup title. The South African men displayed a powerful and aggressive style of play, dominating the centre court and feeding their shooters with pinpoint accuracy.
Eswatini struggled to contain the South African attack, with their defence unable to withstand the relentless pressure.
SA men dominated throughout the match, winning each quarter convincingly: 17-12, 32-23, 46-29 and 60-39.
SA men’s coach, Jabulani Vilane, credits teamwork and strategic planning for their victorious Africa Netball Cup campaign.
“We are the Champions of Africa Netball Cup. Our boys played very well and were on top of their game. We gave them time to relax and think, as well as recap about the mistakes that their opponents are making and we managed to stick to all our game plans.
“I’m very happy with what the boys did and with the management that I’m working with,” he said.
The Guardian 