SA netballers off to a great start with a solid win against Malawi

South Africa continued their dominance against Malawi in their opening netball match of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, winning 65-44.

Elmere van der Berg averaged a 92 per cent conversion rate.

A winning start for @OfficialTeamRSA in Glasgow! 🇿🇦#TeamSA #ForMyCountry #Glasgow2026

📸 @WorldNetball_ pic.twitter.com/v4gmt6y56I
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 25, 2026

The two African teams met for the 45th time in the final match of the day in Pool A.

South Africa have won 31 of 44 meetings between the two. Malawi scored first with a successful centre pass. The first quarter was closely contested with both teams competing fiercely.

South Africa took the lead in the final six minutes of the quarter with a score of 18-12.

South Africa’s Netball Coach Jenny van Dyk began the match with her strongest seven. The experience of Karla Pretorius at the back proved vital against Malawi’s goal shooter Kumwenda, while Elmere van der Berg scored goals on the opposite side.

The second quarter saw South Africa continue to dominate the match. Malawi fought back whenever South Africa advanced. At the end of the first half, South Africa led 34-23.

Coach Van Dyk made several substitutions. Karla Pretorius moved from Goal Defence to Goalkeeper while Jamie van Wyk swopped her Wing Defence bib to replace Nicola Smith at the back to pair with Pretorius.

Tarle Mathe joined the team in a Wing Defence role. These changes appeared to be successful as South Africa secured a 15-9 victory in the championship quarter and an overall score of 49-32.

Karla Victor took to court in the final quarter to earn her first cap for South Africa replacing Captain Khanyisa Chawane at Wing Attack.

🇿🇦 First cap. First Commonwealth Games. What a moment, Karla Victor! 👏#TeamSA pic.twitter.com/4FtAyEYMwC
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 25, 2026