Netball: SPAR Proteas crush Zimbabwe to book spot in Africa Cup final

The SPAR Proteas have secured their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Netball Cup in Lilongwe, Malawi, after delivering a crushing 84-32 victory over Zimbabwe in the semi-final on Saturday.

Having sailed through the group stages undefeated, the SPAR Proteas needed to overcome their regional rivals, the Zimbabwe Gems, in the last-four clash to reach Sunday's final.

CLINICAL OPENING SETS THE TONE
South Africa asserted their dominance immediately in the first quarter. A composed start saw the Proteas settle quickly and apply early pressure. While Zimbabwe responded with intensity, keeping the opening exchanges competitive, South Africa edged ahead with a strong 18-7 lead by the end of the quarter.

Coach Jenny van Dyk made only two changes to the side that defeated Botswana, introducing half-centurion Elmeré van der Berg in place of Rolene Streutker. Refiloe Nketsa came in at Wing Defence, and Jamie van Wyk replaced Sanmarie Visser at Goal Defence, adding experience and versatility to the backline.

PROTEAS MAINTAIN UNWAVERING CONTROL

The SPAR Proteas picked up the pace exactly where they left off in the second quarter, displaying sharper ball movement and sustained defensive pressure. Though Zimbabwe competed with intent, South Africa maintained firm control, heading into half-time with a comfortable lead.

Coach Van Dyk made no changes to start the quarter, allowing her combination to gel before later rotations. Tarle Mathe proved a constant threat in the attacking third, feeding the shooting circle with a mix of precise passes, aerial loop balls, and flair. The defensive pairing of Nicola Smith and Jamie van Wyk remained composed and alert, contesting every Zimbabwean attack. South Africa added 22 goals in the quarter, while Zimbabwe managed nine, extending the SPAR Proteas’ lead at the break.

DEEP BENCH PROVIDES FRESH MOMENTUM
The SPAR Proteas continued to assert their dominance in the third quarter, maintaining a high work rate and clinical execution across the court. They remained composed in possession and capitalised on turnovers, extending their lead through disciplined defence and sharp finishing.

Coach Van Dyk rotated her bench, introducing fresh legs: Rolene Streutker at Goal Shooter, Kamogelo Maseko shifting from Wing Attack to Goal Attack, Kyla Dames at Wing Attack, and Juanita van Tonder at Goal Keeper. Despite the changes, the team’s structure and intensity remained intact. South Africa added a further 20 goals, with Zimbabwe managing seven, as the Proteas headed into the final quarter firmly in control at 60-23.

RECORD-BREAKING FINISH
Coach Van Dyk continued to rotate her line-up at the start of the final quarter, introducing Elmeré van der Berg at Goal Attack, Owethu Ngubane at Wing Attack, and Kyla Dames at Centre.

The SPAR Proteas closed out the match with confidence, maintaining their structure, intensity, and composure to secure an emphatic 84-32 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems. The 52-goal margin set a new record win for South Africa in the tournament, surpassing the previous best of 51 goals (78-27) achieved in Windhoek in 2021.

Player of the Match honours went to Goal Defence, Jamie van Wyk.

South Africa advanced to the final following a dominant campaign, recording pool-stage victories over Tanzania (104-25), Malawi (58-38), and Botswana (67-31), before overcoming Zimbabwe in the semi-final.

The SPAR Proteas will now face Uganda in Sunday’s final.

MEN’S TEAM ALSO PROGRESSES
Earlier in the day, the Proteas Men edged past a determined Kenya Men’s team with a narrow 46-41 win, booking their place in the men’s final against Zimbabwe. The South African men are the defending champions.