South Africa continued their strong run at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup with victory in their final pool match against Namibia on Wednesday afternoon in Nairobi, Kenya. The SPAR Proteas won the match 55–33, completing the pool stage with four wins from four.
SPAR Proteas Head Coach Jenny van Dyk made slight changes to her starting seven following the previous day’s match against Botswana. South Africa started strongly and immediately put Namibia under pressure, taking a 16–8 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The SPAR Proteas continued to control the tempo in the second quarter. Neither side made changes at the start of the quarter, with South Africa maintaining their tactical discipline and extending their advantage to 33–16 at half-time.
Van Dyk made several changes heading into the championship quarter, introducing fresh legs including Owethu Ngubane, Nozipho Ntshangase and Tinita van Dyk. Namibia responded strongly and challenged for every ball, with the Desert Jewels taking the third quarter 10–8. South Africa, however, remained comfortably ahead 41–26 heading into the final 15 minutes.
The SPAR Proteas closed out the contest in the final quarter, with Van Dyk continuing to rotate her combinations. Nonsikelelo Mazibuko was introduced into the shooting circle and made the most of her opportunities as South Africa secured the 55–33 victory.
The result saw the SPAR Proteas finish top of Pool 1 with four wins from four.
Following an announcement by Africa Netball confirming a revised format for the remainder of the competition, South Africa and Uganda, as the respective pool leaders, will advance directly to the 2026 Africa Netball Cup Final. The SPAR Proteas will therefore no longer face Malawi in the previously scheduled semi-final.
The SPAR Proteas will face Uganda in the Women’s Africa Cup Final on Saturday, 26 September at 17:00 SAST.
The Protea Warriors will also contest the Men’s Africa Cup Final on Saturday, facing Eswatini at 15:00 SAST.
SCORE BREAKDOWN
Q1 – SPAR Proteas 16 – 08 Namibia
Q2 – SPAR Proteas 17 – 08 Namibia
Q3 – SPAR Proteas 08 – 10 Namibia
Q4 – SPAR Proteas 14 – 07 Namibia
Matches are livestreamed by Discover Sport
