Despite failing to successfully defend their title, Spar Proteas assistant coach Zanele Mdodana believes the 2026 Africa Netball Cup was a worthy exercise.
South Africa fell to Uganda’s sword in the final of the continental competition after enjoying a clean sweep throughout the tournament held in Nairobi, Kenya. The Proteas lost 56-53 after failing to recover the lead they had created early in the first quarter.
South Africa went into the competition as the most successful side with four titles, but they are now tied with the same number of titles as the She Cranes.
The continental contest also served as the 2027 Netball World Cup qualifier. The global spectacle will be held in Sydney, Australia. The Proteas, the She Cranes, Malawi, as well as Namibia, will represent the continent at the competition set for 25 August to 5 September next year. The Debmarine Desert Jewels will be making a historic return to the World Cup for the first time since 1995.
The Proteas only had four out of the 12-woman squad that represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in August.
OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNGSTERS
Mdodana says the competition has given the coaches an opportunity to test the younger players at this level.
“The decision we made to bring a more inexperienced, younger team was purely based on the fact that we had already qualified for the World Cup. Yes, our goal was to defend our title, keeping in mind that the World Cup is just a couple of months away and we know what our first lineup can do. We are glad that Malawi and Uganda brought their first lineup, with the exception of Mary (Cholhok), so our young players were exposed to the high level of competitiveness of African teams. This is the best form of experience we could give our players. They won’t know what is required if we don’t give them the opportunity,” explains Mdodana.
Tinita van Dyk and Luca Keun were some of the changes to the squad. Both made their senior debuts at the competition. Mdodana believes the tournament was a needed learning experience for the duo.
“We are proud of our debutants. I think it was a huge eye-opener for them, getting an understanding of the different style that Africa plays and how you have to quickly adapt as a player, have more than one skill set in the toolbox,” she says.
Van Dyk says she had been dreaming of donning the green and gold for years. She understands that she has to work hard in order to earn another call-up to the Proteas team.
“Receiving my first cap was such a special and emotional moment for me. It was something that I dreamed of for a long time, so to finally get that cap and to officially represent the country was incredibly meaningful for me. Now having experienced what it means to play for the Proteas has made me hungrier for even more opportunities. But the focus is controlling what I can control, continue working hard, improving every day, being consistent and making sure that I add value whenever I am given the opportunity to play,” says van Dyk.
The goalkeeper says she has learnt a lot from being in the senior national team side.
“The Africa Cup has been a special experience; there is something really unique about representing South Africa on this stage. Being able to play against all these opponents really helps to develop your game. Working with coach Zan and coach Jenny (van Dyk) was a good experience. They bring different strengths and perspectives, which in the end helps you to grow your game,” says the Gauteng Golden Fireballs player.
Mdodana says the competition was also an opportunity for the coaches to broaden the squad for future competition, including the upcoming World Cup.
“We have learnt that exposure is the best teacher. You need to be in the four lines to have an understanding of what is required and what the standard is. The beauty that we have experienced with this young team is that they grew so much and we could see the growth throughout the week and with every game we played. It gives us a bigger pool to choose from when it comes to picking out our team for the World Cup,” she explains.
Meanwhile, the Protea Warriors successfully defended their Africa Cup title. The Shiko Mokaila-led side defeated neighbours Eswatini 49-45 in a fierce final. South Africa have now won four back-to-back titles since the competition was established in 2023.