South Africa achieved a historic victory at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup, beating Uganda to reclaim the coveted 2024 Africa Netball Cup title, at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia, on Saturday, 14 December, 2024.
The Spar Proteas showcased their dominance in the women’s final, defeating Uganda 65-50 in what was a tense game, displaying 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 mid-court 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. What the players accomplished today was one of our goals to be African champions.
Spar Proteas Head Coach, Jenny van Dyk
“A massive third quarter for us, 20 for us and 9 for them, was crucial in securing the victory. It was a really quite a hot week, very physical and hard.”
“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.”
Spar Proteas Assistant Coach, Zanele Mdodana
“The fact that both our men’s and women’s teams have been crowned African Netball Cup champions is testament to the significant progress we’ve made. This success story presents a valuable opportunity for potential sponsorship partners to align themselves with a rapidly growing and successful sport,” said Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa president.
Molokwane added that, “This achievement not only brings pride to our country, but also inspires a new generation of netball players. Well done to both teams and thank you for flying the South African flag high!”
The Spar Proteas will be taking a break and are set to return to action in January 2025. They will compete in a three-match test series against Jamaica, with matches scheduled for 18, 22, and 25 January, in Jamaica.
The South African national women’s netball team will be arriving back in South Africa on Sunday, 15 December 2024, at the OR Tambo International Airport (Terminal A) at 16:00.
Result of the Final of the Africa Netball Cup 2024 on Saturday, 14 December
FINAL – South Africa vs Uganda
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring: South Africa vs Uganda
Q1: 16-12 Q2: 30-24 Q3: 50-33 Q4: 65-50
2024 Africa Netball Cup Player Awards
Best Shooter: Elemeré van der Berg (South Africa) Best Mid-Court Centre: Margret Baagala (Uganda) Best Defender: Elizabeth Mushore (Zimbabwe) Player of the Tournament: Khanyisa Chawane (South Africa)
Final Standings of the 2024 Africa Netball Cup
1. South Africa 2. Uganda 3. Zimbabwe 4. Malawi 5. Namibia 6. Zambia 7. Kenya 8. Eswatini
Africa Netball Cup Semi-Final and Play-Off Fixtures on Friday, 13 December, 2024
South Africa 63 – 41 Zimbabwe Uganda 51 – 43 Malawi
5/6th Position Zambia 46 – 54 Namibia 7/8th Position Kenya 43 – 39 Eswatini
Africa Netball Cup Results on Thursday, 12 December, 2024
Pool 2 Eswatini 34 – 85 Uganda Pool 1 South Africa 71 – 48 Zambia Pool 1 Malawi 60 – 30 Kenya Pool 2 Namibia 42 – 41 Zimbabwe
Africa Netball Cup Results on Wednesday, 11 December, 2024
Pool 1 Zambia 51 – 41 Kenya Pool 2 Namibia 43 – 55 Uganda
Africa Netball Cup Results on Tuesday, 10 December, 2024
Pool 2 Zimbabwe 78 – 27 Eswatini Pool 1 South Africa 65 – 35 Malawi
Results on Monday, 9 December, 2024
Pool 1 Malawi 52 – 39 Zambia Pool 2 Uganda 49 – 50 Zimbabwe Pool 1 Kenya 29 – 74 South Africa Pool 2 Namibia 58 – 47 Eswatini
Spar Proteas Starting 7 vs Malawi
GS Elmeré van der Berg GA Kamogelo Maseko WA Khanyisa Chawane (C) C Refiloe Nketsa WD Jamie van Wyk GD Karla Pretorius GK Nicola Smith
Substitutes
Nicholé Breedt Boitumelo Mahloko Tarle Mathe Ané Retief Ine-Marí Venter
Head Coach: Jenny van Dyk Assistant Coach: Zanele Mdodana Team Manager: Vinolia Austin Physio: Fikile Phasha
Main Photo Caption: The Spar Proteas celebrate their triumph at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup, defeating Uganda 65-50 in the final to claim the championship at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia, on Saturday, 14 December, 2024. All Photos: Ministry of Information and Communication Technology – Republic of Namibia
Photo 2 Caption: Spar Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane was chosen as Player of the Tournament, and celebrated in the Closing Ceremony.
Photo 3 Caption: Elmeré van der Berg’s goalscoring prowess saw her walk away with the 2024 Africa Netball Cup Best Shooter of the Tournament accolade.
Photo 4 Caption: Africa netball champion coaches, Spar Proteas Head Coach Jenny van Dyk and Assistant Coach Zanele Mdodana smile with the continental trophy.
Photo 5 Caption: Final Standings Graphic
Photo 6 Caption: Africa Netball Cup 2024 Silver Medalists, Uganda.
