Coach Jenny van Dyk’s team set a new Commonwealth Games scoring record by defeating Tonga 96–42 on Sunday evening. Their previous highest score at the Games was 92 goals. The SPAR Proteas faced Tonga in their second match of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The two teams had only met once before during the 2023 Netball World Cup.
South Africa entered the match full of confidence after defeating Malawi the day before, while Tonga lost their opening match to world number one Australia. Head Coach Jenny van Dyk made several changes to the side that played against Malawi.
South Africa scored first and immediately applied pressure on their opponents. The attacking duo of Owethu Ngubane and Rolene Streutker combined well as South Africa took a 26–15 lead after the opening quarter.
The second quarter was no different as South Africa continued to exert pressure on Tonga. A change was forced after goalkeeper Nicola Smith sustained an injury midway through the quarter. At the end of the first half, South Africa led 51–23.
Coach Jenny van Dyk made further substitutions at the start of the third quarter, introducing Refiloe Nketsa and Karla Victor, while Nicola Smith returned to the court.
Tonga improved their attacking output in the third quarter, but South Africa remained in control, adding 21 goals to extend their lead.
South Africa rotated its players, with Karla Pretorius and Rolene Streutker making way for Jamie van Wyk and Kamogelo Maseko. The new additions maintained the momentum. Van Wyk and Smith’s defensive work contained Tonga, restricting them to seven goals in the final quarter, while Maseko and Ngubane combined for 21 goals.
South Africa now has a rest day before facing Northern Ireland on Tuesday at 15:00 SAST.
Score Breakdown:
Q1: South Africa 26–15 Tonga
Q2: South Africa 25–8 Tonga
Q3: South Africa 21–12 Tonga
Q4: South Africa 24–7 Tonga
Final score: South Africa 96–42 Tonga
Photo Credit: World Netball
