Proteas lift Africa Netball Cup crown
South Africa coasted to victory at the Africa Netball Cup in Cape Town yesterday, ending the tournament unbeaten as they lifted the continental crown.
Facing a an energetic Zambian side who were explosive from the start, the Proteas held their nerve and ultimately drew clear to wrap up a 72-53 win in their last pool match of the five-day tournament.
Though the Proteas took early control, holding a 17-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, Zambia managed to stay in touch, and the hosts were just six points ahead (31-25) at half-time.
The Proteas displayed more composure in the third stanza, however, strengthening their grip on the encounter.
Heading into the last period with a 53-37 advantage – and despite coach Dorette Badenhorst making wholesale changes in the latter stages of the game – they stretched their lead even further before the final whistle.
They defeated all six of their opponents in the round robin competition, with the organisers combining two pools and adjusting the format following the late withdrawal of Tanzania.
While they earned convincing victories in most of their fixtures, the SA team had to work hard for wins over perennial rivals Malawi (56-51) and Uganda (50-47).
With Malawi beating Uganda in their round robin clash, the Queens finished second in the final standings after being handed only one defeat by South Africa.
Uganda earned the bronze medal after securing four wins from their six matches.
Though none of the host nation’s players were among the recipients, perhaps highlighting their all-round effort, the tournament awards were spread out among the other teams.
The Most Valuable Player (Ugandan Mary Cholock); Best Centre Court Player (Malawian Takondwa Lwazi); and Most Accurate Shooter (Zambian Beauty Nakazwe.