SOUTH AFRICA MEN’S TEAM EXTENDS WINNING STREAK, EYES FINAL BERTH AT AFRICA NETBALL CUP
SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA – South Africa’s men’s netball team stormed to their fifth consecutive victory at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup on Wednesday in Swakopmund at the MTC Dome.
The men’s team won 59-39 over Eswatini in their second and last game of the day. This victory sets the stage for a crucial encounter against Kenya on Thursday and a win will guarantee South Africa a place in the final.
The defending champions, SA, put up a dominant first quarter against Eswatini, using impressive defensive pressure and clinical shooting to take a 15-6 lead. In the second quarter, SA men extended their advantage, demonstrating superior ball movement, accurate passing, and a well-executed game plan to take a 29-17 lead at halftime.
They maintained their dominance in the third quarter, pulling further ahead with a score of 48-28 to eventually win the tie. The men’s national team coach, Jabulani Vilane, acknowledged the challenging nature of the Eswatini match.
“The game was difficult, but we made it easy because we beat them. Yes, we thought this Eswatini game was going to be tough, but they got the upper hand towards the last few quarters, whereas we managed to open up the gap in the scores.”
LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING KENYA
He added: “I’m proud of the boys. They fought and stood their ground, and I’m pleased about their performance. So now we’re looking forward to playing Kenya tomorrow, which will also be a tough game and if we win against Kenya, we will be waiting for the finals on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, in the day’s first game, SA beat Zambia 59-34, with coach Vilane expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance.
South Africa established an early lead in the first quarter, winning 15-7. In the second quarter, they extended their advantage to 29-14. SA won 26-42 in the third quarter through strong centre passes and clinical shooting.
“Today’s game against Zambia was not tough. The players managed to play their hearts and follow the instructions,” said Vilane. “However, there is room for improvement since sometimes they rush the game when it’s unnecessary. But so far, the boys are doing well. We have no visible injuries that are reported yet, but I trust the boys. I trust the process. That they are going to fight for our country.”
Coach Vilane thanked Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane, highlighting her invaluable support for the country’s growth and development of men’s netball. “So, I’m very proud of the boys, and I’m thanking the president of Netball South Africa [Cecilia Molokwane] for forever supporting us with everything that we need as boys. As males in netball and within the country, we appreciate the support that we’re getting.”
The SPAR Proteas, currently the top team in Pool A with two wins from two games, will face Zambia at 14:00 and they are fully focused on the title.
– ENDS –
WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2024 – SOUTH AFRICA RESULTS:
Zambia vs South Africa (Men)
Q1: 7-15
Q2: 14-29
Q3: 26-42
Q4: 34-59
South Africa vs Eswatini (Men)
Q1: 15-6
Q2: 29-17
Q3: 48-28
Q4: 59-39
THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2024 – SOUTH AFRICA FIXTURES:
Catch the action live on the Netball Namibia YouTube Channel.
14h00: South Africa vs Zambia (Women)
14h00: South Africa vs Kenya (Men)