In a thrilling display of talent and dominance, the SPAR Proteas concluded a commanding 3-0 sweep against Malawi on Sunday, capturing the final match of the SPAR Challenge Netball Series with an emphatic 69-24 win at Ellis Park Arena. The energy in the arena was electrifying as fans cheered on the South African netball team, celebrating their exceptional performance and series triumph.

The victory margin in this final clash was the biggest of the series, with a 45-goal difference, reflecting the Proteas’ rising momentum throughout the tournament. Earlier games showcased the Proteas’ strength, winning the first Test by 37 goals and the second by 31. This progression highlighted the team’s commitment to growth and improvement with each match.

Head Coach Jenny van Dyk shuffled the lineup once again in the third Test, bringing goal shooter Ine-Marie Venter onto the court for her series debut. Nichole Breedt, who played in the first Test, returned in a different role as goal attack. Though the shooting circle needed a moment to find its rhythm—Venter initially missed two shots before finding the net—the adjustment soon paid off as the team gained momentum.

In contrast to the second Test, where the Proteas and Malawi were neck-and-neck in a 13-13 first quarter, Sunday’s game saw the Proteas quickly seize control, leading 16-7 by the end of the first quarter. With strong offensive play and a well-coordinated defense, South Africa asserted itself from the outset, never relinquishing its lead.

Malawi’s attack, led by Thandie Galeta at wing attack, faced tough resistance from the South African defense, anchored by goalkeeper Nicola Smith and goal defender Karla Pretorius. The duo’s outstanding synergy restricted Malawi to only four goals in the second quarter, with the Proteas taking a 31-11 lead into halftime.

The third quarter saw further lineup changes, with Owethu Ngubane and Kamogelo Maseko stepping in for Venter and Breedt in the shooting circle. Jamie van Wyk also took over at wing defense, replacing Boitumelo Mahloko. These adjustments only strengthened the Proteas, who scored an impressive 19 goals in the quarter, pushing their lead to 50-19.

In the final quarter, the Proteas maintained their momentum, adding another 19 goals to reach 69. Despite Malawi’s attempts to slow the pace in the closing minute to avoid a 70-point tally, the Proteas comfortably secured a 69-24 victory, their largest win of the series. This remarkable performance underscored South Africa’s tactical versatility and resilience.

SPAR Proteas captain Kanyisa Chawane praised her team’s efforts, expressing satisfaction with their progression and unity throughout the series. “I’m incredibly proud of how we started and finished this series,” Chawane said. “We grew stronger with every game, supporting one another and showing real consistency.”

Coach Jenny van Dyk echoed these sentiments, applauding her team’s hard work while recognizing the journey ahead. “We’re thrilled with the clean sweep and the opportunity to test different combinations,” van Dyk commented. “For now, we’re celebrating this achievement, but we know there’s still more to improve.”

Kamogelo Maseko, who shined at goal attack, was named Player of the Tournament. The 22-year-old reflected on her experience, saying, “I’m proud of my own performance and what we’ve learned as a team. Malawi challenged us with a different style each game, which helped us adapt while staying true to our game plan.”

Malawi coach Joanna Kachilika, while disappointed with the series outcome, noted the valuable lessons her team had gained. “This series didn’t go as planned, but the experience has shown us our strengths and areas for improvement. We’ll use this to prepare for the African Championships,” she remarked.

In addition to the Proteas’ triumph, the men’s netball team capped off the day with a win over Zimbabwe, clinching their own 3-0 series sweep with a 49-40 victory. This achievement added to South Africa’s success in the tournament, highlighting the nation’s prowess in netball across both men’s and women’s divisions.

The SPAR Challenge was an exciting showcase of South African netball talent, inspiring fans and affirming the team’s potential on the international stage. With the African Championships ahead, the Proteas have set a high standard and will aim to build on this impressive victory.