Despite a loss at the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Netball Series in Jamaica, the Proteas gave the three-Test series their all and gained valuable experience against a world-class opponent.
Kingston, Jamaica (24 January 2025) – The spirited Spar Proteas went down 59-47 to Jamaica in the second match in the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Netball Series in Kingston on Wednesday.
This means that Jamaica ranked third in the world, has clinched the three-Test series against fifth-ranked South Africa.
Proteas show flashes of brilliance on the court.
For a time in the first quarter, the Spar Proteas held a narrow two-goal lead over Jamaica, but midway through the quarter, the Sunshine Girls, possibly buoyed by the arrival at the National Indoor Stadium of sprinting legend Asafa Powell, stepped up a gear and won the quarter by 18 goals to 13.
In the second quarter, South Africa fought hard, but Jamaica kept the ball moving into their circle. The Proteas maintained good discipline, but poor communication among the players cost them dearly, as Jamaica increased their lead, winning the second quarter by eight goals (34-26).
The Sunshine Girls stepped up again in the third quarter and, at one stage, led by 15 goals – the highest margin in the series so far. The South African defenders, debutante Sanmarie Visser, at goal defence and goalkeeper Ane Retief, made life difficult for the Jamaican shooters but to no avail, as Jamaica won the quarter by 14 goals (50-36). Jamaica used speed and highballs to get the ball into their own circle, while the Jamaican defence was very effective against the South African circle.
Jamaica made several changes for the final quarter, which South Africa won by 12 goals to nine. The final score of 59-47 did not reflect how well the Proteas played.
Goal attack Kamogelo Maseka had an outstanding game, as did captain and wing attack Khanyisa Chawane, but too many unforced errors cost the young and inexperienced South Africans the match.
A game well-played
Despite the loss, the Proteas gained valuable experience against a world-class opponent. Coach Jenny van Dyk acknowledged the learning opportunity, emphasizing the need to improve under pressure.
“What a great performance by the Sunshine Girls. They were just so clinical, not leaving anything to chance. We are learning what it is like to play a world-class team,” she said.
“There are so many lessons to be taken out of this game, and I am very pleased that we were able to win the final quarter.”
Assistant coach Zanele Mdodana said she thought the team had been better than they had been in the first Test on Saturday.
“I thought they were energized and switched on. We are giving our players the opportunity to understand what it is to play against the top teams, and the more we play these guys, the better we will be.
“We need to learn how to withstand pressure, both physically and mentally,” said Mdodana.
Earlier, in a promising sign for the future, the SPAR Baby Proteas beat Jamaica Under-21 by 49 goals to 32.
The third and final test will be played on Saturday evening, 25 January 2025 (6 pm Jamaican time). The test will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4, DSTV channel 209.
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