The clash of Africa’s netball powerhouses was nothing short of amazing, as South Africa and Malawi took to court for the first time this year.
The Spar Proteas displayed incredible performances to walk away with a 3-0 whitewash over the Queens in the three test match series.
The Spar Women’s Netball Challenge gave a glimpse of what fans will be treated to at this year’s Africa Cup in December. The tournament was also a platform for coaches on both sides to test the players they have in their arsenal as they began their journeys as the new coaches for the two national teams.
Proteas coach, Jenny van Dyk took over from Norma Plummer who had coached the team in two stints while Joanna Kachilika replaced Sam Kanyenda who took the team to the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023.
'PLEASED WITH FINAL RESULT'
Van Dyk is pleased to have started her tenure with a victory however she admits that it is still early days. All the 15 players in the squad got game time which allowed the coaching staff a chance to try different combinations in all three matches.
“I am very pleased with the final result but at this stage, it is important to enjoy the moment. We got a 3-0 victory over Malawi on our first run.
We tested quite a lot of different combinations and it’s important that we have a good look at all the combinations because there are a lot of different players and we want to see who combines well. This test series created an opportunity for us to do that. ,” says van Dyk.
The former Baby Proteas coach also handed Ané Retief her first Proteas cap in the first match of the series.
The captain of the University of the Free State also played in the other two matches. Kamogelo Maseko displayed impressive performances throughout which saw her being named the player of the tournament. Her agility and ability to find space around the court and create attacking opportunities makes her one of the most exciting players in the squad.
“I am very proud of the players, I think they adapted well. I am very proud of the new cap, Ané coming in and getting her opportunity.
I am proud of the performance, I think there is still a lot to work on but with the mindset and attitude the players have, we can accomplish a lot as a team. They have got a growth mindset and that is what I love at the moment about the squad,” says van Dyk.
Kachilika says although the tournament didn’t go the Malawi way, she is happy that her side got challenged and she was able to note points that need to be worked on.
“This is not what we planned as a team but losing the three games has had a positive impact for our team. We planned to win one or two games but it didn’t come out that way. We’ve seen our weaknesses and what we will be working on as we go back to Malawi and prepare for the African Championships so that we can improve.
Coming here was not a mistake because had we stayed back, we would have relaxed thinking our team is strong. My first assignment has been hard because everyone at home is waiting for results but the rebuilding process takes time,” says Kachilika.
VILANE GRATEFUL
Meanwhile, South Africa’s senior men’s coach, Jabulani Vilane says he is grateful for the opportunity to see what his players can do on court.
The Puma Proteas took a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe in a friendly tournament that was a curtain raiser for the Spar Challenge. The Proteas will also head to Namibia for the second edition of men’s continental competitions.
“The series was a good test one, we had to test our boys since we now have a bigger pool of players. It shows that male netball is growing and we need to see more males coming in. We had 12 players and I managed to use them all although some were showing signs of being unfit or are not used to netball games that have strategy and patterns. In this series, we had a shorter defence, and going to the Africa games the other teams will have taller shooters, we will also need taller defensive players. It is not only about agility but we will need players who will get the rebounds and balls that are flying in. We are still going to finalise the 12 (players) that will be going to Namibia,” says Vilane.
INDIVIDUAL PLAYER AWARDS:
Best shooter: Elmeré van Berg (South Africa)
Best centre: Thandie Galeta (Malawi)
Best defender: Karla Pretorius (South Africa)
Player of the Tournament: Kamogelo Maseko (South Africa)