South Africa is one step closer to African Netball glory, after the Spar Proteas secured a 63-41 victory over Zimbabwe in the 2024 Africa Netball Cup semi-finals, at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia, on Friday, 13 December, 2024.
The South Africans put up an impressive performance, overpowering a determined Zimbabwean side that fought tirelessly until the final whistle, but the Proteas displayed superior speed, accuracy and court coverage in the first semi-final clash, to take a narrow 17-13 lead in the first quarter, capitalising on strong centre-court play and accurate shooting.
In the second quarter, SA extended their lead with pinpoint passing, effective centre-court pressure and clinical shooting from the circle. They went to the break leading 34-21.
“We take on Uganda exactly as expected. We have prepared for this from the very start and we have prepared with them in mind.”
Spar Proteas coach Jenny van Dyk
The Spar Proteas continued to dominate in the third quarter, maintaining a strong defensive presence and consistently finding gaps in the Zimbabwean defence. During this period, the score increased to 50-32 in favour of the Proteas.
In the final quarter, Jenny van Dyk’s charges maintained their composure, ultimately securing a 63-41 victory over Zimbabwe. This victory extends South Africa’s unbeaten record against its opponents in recent years, winning all 11 encounters against Zimbabwe.
Ahead of the highly anticipated final against Uganda, Spar Proteas coach Jenny van Dyk shared her thoughts on the team’s preparations and the challenge ahead. Reflecting on the semi-final victory over Zimbabwe, she emphasised the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the match while highlighting the depth of the South African squad.
“The players had a rough start to the semis. But before the end of that first quarter, they pulled it back so well, so good job for Zimbabwe. They started strong in that match, but also an excellent performance from our South African players to keep the consistency throughout most of the game.
“I mean, being able to play all 12 players in the semi-finals speaks volumes of the type of players we have.”
“The team is ready. We’ll be doing quite a lot of work. From now till tomorrow, we will prepare for the final preparation for Uganda. But we are already confident that we will go out there and do our utmost best.”
The Spar Proteas will play Uganda in the 2024 Africa Netball Cup final on Saturday at 14:00. Uganda secured their place in the final with a 51-43 victory over Malawi in the second semi-final, setting the stage for their 20th encounter with the Proteas.
South Africa hold a dominant 15-4 record against Uganda in their previous 19 meetings. While South Africa has enjoyed significant success in recent years, including a string of victories in 2021, Uganda has shown a growing competitive edge, notably securing a 54-48 win in Birmingham in 2022.
Africa Netball Cup Final on Saturday, 14 December, 2024
10h00 3rd/4th Play Off – Zimbabwe vs Malawi
14h00 FINAL – South Africa vs Uganda
Africa Netball Cup Semi-Final and Play-Off Fixtures on Friday, 13 December, 2024
South Africa 63 – 41 ZimbabweUganda 51 – 43 Malawi
5/6th Position Zambia 46 – 54 Namibia7/8th Position Kenya 43 – 39 Eswatini
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring: South Africa vs Zimbabwe Semi-Final
Q1: 17-13Q2: 34-21Q3: 50-32Q4: 63-41
Africa Netball Cup Results on Thursday, 12 December, 2024
Pool 2 Eswatini 34 – 85 UgandaPool 1 South Africa 71 – 48 ZambiaPool 1 Malawi 60 – 30 KenyaPool 2 Namibia 42 – 41 Zimbabwe
Africa Netball Cup Results on Wednesday, 11 December, 2024
Pool 1 Zambia 51 – 41 KenyaPool 2 Namibia 43 – 55 Uganda
Africa Netball Cup Results on Tuesday, 10 December, 2024
Pool 2 Zimbabwe 78 – 27 EswatiniPool 1 South Africa 65 – 35 Malawi
Results on Monday, 9 December, 2024
Pool 1 Malawi 52 – 39 ZambiaPool 2 Uganda 49 – 50 ZimbabwePool 1 Kenya 29 – 74 South AfricaPool 2 Namibia 58 – 47 Eswatini
Spar Proteas Starting 7 vs Malawi
GS Elmeré van der BergGA Kamogelo MasekoWA Khanyisa Chawane (C)C Refiloe NketsaWD Jamie van WykGD Karla PretoriusGK Nicola Smith
Substitutes
Nicholé BreedtBoitumelo MahlokoTarle MatheAné RetiefIne-Marí Venter
Head Coach: Jenny van DykAssistant Coach: Zanele MdodanaTeam Manager: Vinolia AustinPhysio: Fikile Phasha
2024 Africa Netball Cup Participating Nations
Pool 1
South AfricaMalawiZambiaKenya
Pool 2
NamibiaUgandaZimbabweEswatini
Main Photo Caption: South Africa is one step closer to African Netball glory, after the Spar Proteas secured a 63-41 victory over Zimbabwe in the 2024 Africa Netball Cup semi-finals, at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia, on Friday, 13 December, 2024. All Photos: Ministry of Information and Communication Technology – Republic of Namibia
Photo 2 Caption: The Spar Proteas will face Uganda in the final on Saturday, 14 December 2024, at 14:00.
Photo 3 Caption: Spar Proteas coach Jenny van Dyk “We take on Uganda as expected. We have prepared for this from the very start and we have prepared with them in mind.”
