The courageous Spar Proteas upset England on home soil at the 2025 Vitality Nations Cup 61-59, matching the world no. 4 tournament hosts through the first three quarters before turning the tables with an emphatic final session for the table-topping win at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham in the United Kingdom on Sunday, 2 February 2025.
To date, South Africa are the only unbeaten side in the tournament, following an impressive 75-40 victory over Uganda on Saturday in their tournament opener.
Hosts England hold an impressive historical record against fifth-ranked South Africa, having dominated with 52 win in 69 encounters, South Africa claiming victory in 16 with the balance reflecting drawn matches.
Sunday’s match was tightly contested, with scores level at the end of the first three quarters. South Africa started strong in the first quarter, but England fought back to equalise. Both teams exchanged goals in the later stages of the opening quarter, with South Africa displaying patience in defence and determination in attack. The opening quarter score was 14-14.
In the second quarter, both teams battled fiercely, concluding a closely-contested first half, with scores tied at 30-30. It was clear that the final quarter would determine the match’s outcome and, with the score tied at 46-46 at the end of the third quarter, the stage was set for a dramatic finish.
As has become the norm in SA games, the fourth quarter was their strongest. They shifted gears in the final quarter, and were able to breach the hosts’ defence in quick succession.
Thanks to their impressive shooting, the Proteas maintained a consistent lead. With ten minutes remaining, South Africa held a three-goal advantage.
England struggled to keep up with the pace at which South Africa moved the ball in the final quarter, complemented by swift movement and agility. With seven minutes to go, South Africa extended their lead to nine points.
A late onslaught by the host nation was not enough to draw level, as they fell short by two points, losing the final quarter 13-15.
This 61-59 win propelled the African champs to the top of the four-team table.
Coach Jenny van Dyk expressed satisfaction with the outcome but stressed that much work remains. She praised the team for their consistent hard work.
“The work is not done yet. We still have another weekend to go and the final spot that we need to secure. I think it’s secured, but we want to win that one as well. So there’s still a lot we need to do.”
Spar Proteas Head Coach, Jenny van Dyk
Sanmarie Visser, crowned player of the match after an impressive performance, expressed her belief that the team could achieve even greater success. She emphasised that the victory over England was crucial for building confidence.
“It means so much. We knew what we would be up against when we came here. We had a good game plan, and it means so much for us to come here and beat England on their home ground,” said Visser.
The Proteas have a few days to prepare for their clash against Malawi on Saturday, 8 February 2025, at the Copper Box Arena in London. The final is set for Sunday, 9 February 2025, in London.
Vitality Netball Nations Cup 2025 Fixtures and Results (All times CAT)
Saturday, 1 February, at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham
South Africa 70 – 45 Uganda
England 62 – 6 Malawi
Sunday, 2 February, at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham
Malawi 59 – 45 Uganda
England 59 – 61 South Africa
Saturday, 8 February, at the Copper Box Arena in London
17h00: Malawi vs South Africa
19h00: England vs Uganda
Sunday, 9 February, at the Copper Box Arena in London
15h30: Third Place Play-Off
18h00: Final
Match Breakdown: England vs South Africa
Q1: England 14-14 South Africa
Q2: England 30-30 South Africa
Q3: England 46-46 South Africa
Q4: England 59-61 South Africa
Player of the Match: Sanmarie Visser
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
Head Coach Jenny van Dyk
Assistant Coach Zanele Mdodana
Team Manager Vinolia Austin
Physio Fikile Phasha
Original Copy: Netball SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Elmeré van der Berg takes a shot at goal against England during their second 2025 Vitality Nations Cup fixture. The Spar Proteas upset England on home soil, matching the world no. 4 England Roses through the first three quarters before turning the tables with an emphatic final session for the table-topping win, at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham in the United Kingdom on Sunday, 2 February 2025. Photo: Ben Lumley
Photo 2 Caption: England’s Beth Cobden keeps possession far away from the lurking danger of the SA skipper, Khanyisa ’KC’ Chawane. Photo: Morgan Harlow
Photo 3 Caption: After matching England quarter by quarter, the Proteas surged away in the final quarter to a 61-59 victory on Sunday. Photo: Ben Lumley
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