SPAR Proteas cruise past Tanzania in Africa netball Cup opener

The SPAR Proteas began their title defence with a 104-25 win against Tanzania on the first day of the Africa Netball Cup in Lilongwe Malawi. Jenny van Dyk’s charges started like a house on fire as they had the first centre pass. Elmere van der Berg, who earned her 50th cap for the SPAR Proteas, was ruthless under the pole and punished Tanzanian defenders every chance she got. At the end of the quarter, the SPAR Proteas were on the driver’s seat and enjoyed a comfortable lead.

South Africa made a tactical change at the start of the second quarter with the introduction of Rolene Streukter in the place of Van der Berg. The combination of Jamie van Wyk and Nicola Smith at the back proved to be too strong as they kept Tanzania attack at bay and only restricted them to 11 goals at the end of the first half.

The SPAR Proteas continued to dominate their opponents for the duration of the match and in the championship quarter, Tanzania could only six goals while conceding 23 and this took South Africa’s lead to 79-17.

Kyla Dames got her maiden cap for the SPAR Proteas after a successful Under-21 World Cup that was hosted in Gibraltar – she couldn’t have asked for a better start to the senior team as she was also chosen as the Player of the Match.

“It was a very good first game for us, definitely the kind of match and result we expected. I am happy we were able to try out different combinations and proud of Kyla Dames on her debut and for winning Player of the Match. This shows that we are headed in the right direction. Happy with some of the combinations we tried out today even though I felt like we struggled in the third quarter to an extend – it was our most expensive one. We put this game behind us and now focus on our next encounter against Malawi. Lastly, as a team we are proud of Elmere on her 50th cap for the SPAR Proteas,” said Van Dyk, the SPAR Proteas head coach.

Meanwhile earlier on the day, the South Africa Male team took on neighbours Botswana in their opening match of the tournament where they won 59-38.

The South African men will take on Zimbabwe at 2pm while the SPAR Proteas face off against Malawi at 6pm on Tuesday.

SPAR Proteas women’s team for Africa Netball Cup

Khanyisa Chawane (c), Kyla Dames, Kamogelo Maseko, Tarle Mathe, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa, Rolene Streutker, Elmeré van der Berg, Nicola Smith, Juanita van Tonder, Jamie van Wyk, Sanmarie Visser.

Non-travelling reserves: Nicholé Breedt, Entle Futshane, Nozipho Ntshangase.

Proteas men’s team for Africa Netball Cup

Sicelo Gamede, Shane Labuschagne, Lutendo Maiwashe, Edward Manyathela, Njabulo Nekhavhambe, Romeo Nqcaku, Lwazi Nzama, Gavin Peters, Eugene Sinxezi, Kwandile Sithole, Sibongakonke Vava, Vukile Zulu.

Non-travelling reserves: Wandile Gumede, Juan van den Heever, Sandiso Zulu.