South Africa’s SPAR Proteas and Protea Warriors enjoyed a strong opening weekend at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, with both teams recording two wins from their opening two matches.
The defending champions began their respective campaigns on Saturday, 19 September, with the SPAR Proteas defeating Tanzania 90–22, while the Protea Warriors produced a second-half comeback to beat Eswatini 43–36. Both teams returned to court on Sunday, with the Protea Warriors overcoming Uganda 47–40 before the SPAR Proteas defeated Zimbabwe 58–41.
SPAR PROTEAS OPEN WITH COMMANDING WIN
The SPAR Proteas began their title defence with a convincing 90–22 victory over Tanzania on Saturday.
South Africa took control from the opening whistle, leading 23–5 after the first quarter before extending the advantage to 43–8 at half-time. The Proteas continued to apply pressure after the break and took a 68–14 lead into the final quarter before closing out the match 90–22.
The match was also a memorable occasion for Tinita van Dyk and Luca Keun, who made their senior international debuts for South Africa, becoming SPAR Proteas #162 and #163 respectively.
The SPAR Proteas returned to action against Zimbabwe on Sunday and continued their winning start with a 58–41 victory.
South Africa led 14–6 after the opening quarter and 29–17 at half-time. The advantage grew to 44–30 after three quarters before the defending champions completed the win.
The match also marked a significant milestone for Refiloe Nketsa, who earned her 50th Test cap for the SPAR Proteas.
Nketsa’s milestone came against the same opposition she faced when making her SPAR Proteas debut at the 2021 Africa Netball Cup in Windhoek.
The results leave the SPAR Proteas with two wins from their opening two matches as they continue their Pool 1 campaign.
SPAR PROTEAS RESULTS
Saturday, 19 September
Tanzania 22–90 South Africa
Sunday, 20 September
South Africa 58–41 Zimbabwe
NEXT MATCH
Tuesday, 22 September
South Africa vs Botswana
15:00 SAST
Wednesday, 23 September
South Africa vs Namibia
17:00 SAST
PROTEA WARRIORS FIGHT BACK TO BEAT ESWATINI
The Protea Warriors were made to work hard in their opening match against Eswatini on Saturday.
Eswatini led 11–9 after the opening quarter before extending their advantage to 22–14 at half-time.
South Africa responded strongly after the break, overturning the eight-goal deficit to draw level at 29–29 at the end of the third quarter. The Protea Warriors then carried that momentum into the final 15 minutes, outscoring Eswatini to secure a 43–36 victory.
The match also saw Zimi Mbungwana make his senior international debut for South Africa.
The Protea Warriors faced another tough challenge on Sunday when they came up against Uganda’s The Rock.
Uganda held a 13–9 advantage after the first quarter and remained narrowly ahead, 23–22, at half-time.
South Africa worked their way back into the contest and the teams were locked at 32–32 heading into the final quarter.
The defending champions then produced a strong finish. With the match finely balanced late in the fourth quarter, South Africa capitalised on crucial turnovers and pulled away in the closing stages to secure a 47–40 victory and make it two wins from two.
PROTEA WARRIORS RESULTS
Saturday, 19 September
South Africa 43–36 Eswatini
Sunday, 20 September
Uganda 40–47 South Africa
NEXT MATCH
Monday, 21 September
Kenya vs South Africa
09:00 SAST
Tuesday, 22 September
South Africa vs Malawi
07:00 SAST
The Protea Warriors will now turn their attention to hosts Kenya as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the competition.
Both South African teams entered the tournament as defending Africa Netball Cup champions, with the SPAR Proteas looking to retain the women’s crown and the Protea Warriors aiming for a fourth consecutive men’s title. The tournament continues in Nairobi until 26 September.
Watch all matches live and free on Discover Sport
