SPAR Proteas crowned African Champions for a record fifth time

The SPAR Proteas have successfully defended their Africa Netball Cup title after a commanding 56–34 victory over Uganda in the final in Lilongwe, Malawi, securing a record fifth continental championship.

South Africa has now set a record as five-time champions of the continental showpiece.

The SPAR Proteas locked horns with Uganda in the final of the 2025 Africa Netball Cup, determined to defend their title.

“Uganda will make you work hard on the netball court. We knew we needed a very solid game plan and had to come in strong. From the outset, we understood that this game would be won in the circle, and we needed to figure out how to do that,” said a delighted van Dyk.

“I must thank Uganda for a great game of netball and for such a competitive final. Well done to them for the way they played. As a team, we set ourselves a target of scoring 60. We fell short today, but what matters is that we are champions.”

STRATEGIC START SECURES EARLY LEAD

Coach van Dyk started with a slightly different combination from the one that featuredin the semi-final against Zimbabwe. A notable omission from the starting line-up was captain Khanyisa Chawane, with Elmere van der Berg captaining the side in her absence.

The SPAR Proteas immediately exerted pressure, ending the first quarter with a strong 16–7 lead.

With no changes to the starting seven after the opening quarter, the Proteas continued their relentless play. South Africa’s disciplined defence limited Uganda to just nine goals in the second quarter, while the Proteas added 11 to take a 27–16 lead into halftime.

DEPTH AND DISCIPLINE DELIVER THE TITLE

With Refiloe Nketsa already on a caution, van Dyk made a swift defensive change, bringing Sanmarie Visser on at goal defence and moving Jamie van Wyk to wing defence to replace Nketsa.

The SPAR Proteas dominated the third or “championship,” quarter 17–10, extending their lead to 44–26.

South Africa’s tactical discipline throughout the match carried them to the title. At the final whistle, the SPAR Proteas emerged victorious with a 56–34 win, securing their record-breaking fifth African crown.

SOUTH AFRICA MEN’S TEAM ALSO RETAINS TITLE

Earlier in the day, the South Africa men’s team also retained their African title after defeating Zimbabwe 40–29. Coach Jabulani Vilane’s side clinched the championship for the second time in three years.