The SPAR Proteas have started their 2024 SPAR Challenge International Netball Test Series by beating Malawi 68-31 in their first match at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg.
The match saw Jenny van Dyk and Khanyisa Chawane launch their tenures as new head coach and captain in the best possible manner that saw the team take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Van Dyk started Nicholé Breedt (formerly Taljaard) on wing attack rather than her usual position of goal attack, with the up-and-coming Kamogelo Maseko selected in that position.
Maseko was outstanding in her 23rd Test for the team, displaying remarkable athleticism while combining exceptionally well with eventual MVP Elmeré van der Berg in the shooting circle.
The opening exchanges went goal-for-goal before Karla Pretorious affected the first turnover of the match for the SPAR Proteas to begin to open up a gap on their opponents.
The first quarter proved to be the best for the Malawians who scored 11 goals to South Africa’s 16.
The visitors, who have not played an international match since last year’s Netball World Cup in Cape Town, managed to maintain some of their momentum through to half time, but the SPAR Proteas continued to dominate with Nicole Smith making her presence felt at goalkeeper.
The South Africans had opened the gap to 48-27 by the end of the second quarter.
Having kept the team unchanged through the first half, Van Dyk moved captain Chawane from centre to wing attack in place of Breedt who had struggled somewhat, with Tarle Mathe coming on at centre.
Jeanté Strydom was the only other change, on wing defence in place of Boitumelo Mahloko.
The midcourt combination proved to be a far better one with the SPAR Proteas stamping their authority in the second half.
They reached the end of the third quarter 48-27 up and then ran away with it in the fourth.
Ané Retief was handed her first SPAR Proteas cap when she was brought on at goalkeeper with just under 10 minutes remaining in the match, while Owethu Ngubane came on as goal shooter five minutes later.
As the clock ticked down, the home side slotted in an incredible 14 unanswered goals before Malawi finally found the net for their final score of the match, which ended 68-31.
“Getting that win was really a great feeling.
I’m really proud of the team because it’s our first time stepping out and having to perform like that is really a big thing for us.
Obviously, we won’t always be happy.
There are always things to work on but I’m really happy with the groundwork that we’ve done.
The team is looking really good and I’m really proud of every one of them,” said Chawane.
Van Dyk echoed Chawane’s comments, adding that she’s proud of the team.
“I think this is a great start for us.
There’s a lot we still want to work on and a lot we know we can fix to become even better.
Obviously, we will always want to push as much as possible but yes, my first cap, I’ll take this one.
I think this is a great start to our campaign.
They reacted well and really made us proud tonight,” explained the coach.
The teams will meet again for the second Test on Saturday at 17:00, before the third and final Test on Sunday at 15:00.
