The Spar Proteas kicked off their 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup campaign in style, defeating Uganda 70-45 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham in the United Kingdom on Saturday, 1 February 2025.
This impressive win marked South Africa’s opening Test of the tournament, setting the tone for a promising campaign.
Elmeré van der Berg stole the show with an outstanding 40 goals, while Kamogelo Maseko, named Player of the Match, contributed 17 crucial goals. The Spar Proteas dominated the court from the outset, securing a solid 19-13 lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, they had extended their advantage to 33-25.
A dominant third quarter saw the Spar Proteas pull ahead 51-31, paving the way for a decisive finish. The team’s impressive performance was a testament to their skill, strategy, and teamwork.
Spar Proteas coach Jenny van Dyk was happy with the result, attributing the win to working hard and studying their opponents ahead of the clash.
“We are focusing on ensuring we can perform through the quarters, and become stronger as the game progresses, even though we still want a strong start. So, the players have just been on point tonight, and that was good to see. We truly believe we can become one of the best teams in the world.”
Spar Proteas Coach, Jenny van Dyk
Syntiche Kabuya, the latest addition to the Spar Proteas setup, got her memorable debut towards the end of the Uganda clash. She has since reacted to the debut performance.
“I was very excited to make my debut. It was amazing and wasn’t like anything I’ve ever experienced. Being on the court was scary but familiar because it’s just netball. It was fun to play against an international player and experience something different,” said Kabuya.
Assistant coach Zanele Mdodana was visibly emotional after Kabuya’s debut, taking to social media to express her pride:
“My heart… I just could not help but shed tears of joy. Knowing the journey you have travelled to be here. Keep working, keep pushing yourself – your only limit is yourself! Welcome to the Green and Gold, Nzeba! Grab the bull by its horns, baby, and hold on for dear life!”
Assistant Coach, Zanele Mdodana
The Spar Proteas will lock horns with hosts England on Sunday, the match underway at 6pm, live on the SuperSport DSTV channel 199.
Match Breakdown: South Africa vs Uganda
Q1: South Africa 19-13 Uganda
Q2: South Africa 33-25 Uganda
Q3: South Africa 51-31 Uganda
Q4: South Africa 70-45 Uganda
Vitality Netball Nations Cup 2025 Fixtures and Results (All times CAT)
Saturday, 1 February
South Africa 70 – 45 Uganda
England 62 – 6 Malawi
Sunday, 2 February
16h00: Malawi vs Uganda
18h00: England vs South Africa
Saturday, 8 February
17h00: Malawi vs South Africa
19h00: England vs Uganda
Sunday, 9 February
15h30: Third Place Play-Off
18h00: Final
Spar Proteas Squad for the Vitality Netball Nations Cup 2025 from 1 to 9 February, 2025
Defenders
Boitumelo Mahloko
Sanmarie Visser*
Ané Retief
Syntiche Kabuya
Jamie van Wyk
Mid-Court
Kamogelo Maseko
Tarle Mathe
Khanyisa Chawane (C)
Refiloe Nketsa
Jeanté Strydom
Shooters
Nicholé Breedt
Rolene Streutker
Elmeré van der Berg
Ine-Marí Venter
Owethu Ngubane
Original Copy: Netball SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Shooter Elmeré van der Berg scored 40 goals as the Spar Proteas kicked off their 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup campaign in style, defeating Uganda 70-45 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham in the United Kingdom on Saturday, 1 February 2025. Photo: Morgan Harlow
Photo 2 Caption: Kamogelo Maseko earned Player of the Match accolades after SA’s win over Uganda in the opening match of the Netball Nations Cup. Photo: Ben Lumley
Photo 3 Caption: Maseko eludes the attentions of the Ugandan player, pictured sliding the ball to skipper Kamogelo ‘KC’ Maseko. Photo: Morgan Harlow
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