Former Netball South Africa (NSA) president Mimi Mthethwa-Zulu has backed the South African senior netball team to defend their Africa Netball Cup title in Malawi. She praised the Proteas’ strategy of keeping core players together for consecutive tournaments, saying it allows them to gain invaluable experience. The Proteas are displaying a very high standard, which is why most neighbouring countries can’t keep up with us.
“I believe they will not only perform well at the Africa Netball Cup, but should return as champions. The team is well balanced and looking strong,” said Mthethwa-Zulu. The Spar-funded Proteas will wrap up their 2025 preparations with a final challenge, travelling to Lilongwe, Malawi, on Friday to defend their continental crown.
The tournament runs from Monday to December 14, with South Africa grouped alongside Tanzania, Malawi and Botswana. Speaking at the Spar National Netball Championships in Boksburg ahead of departure, head coach Jenny van Dyk emphasised the importance of African competition in preparation for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. “It’s a privilege to compete at the Africa Cup.
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African teams play in very different styles, and this exposure helps us prepare for major contests like the Commonwealth Games,” Van Dyk said, highlighting past defeats to Uganda in fifth- and sixth-place playoffs at previous international tournaments. South Africa’s toughest pool-stage test is expected to come from world number eight Malawi. “The stronger the opposition, the better for us.
Last year we played Malawi five or six times, and they improved with each match. The final match was only a three-goal margin,” said Van Dyk. Captain Khanyisa Chawane said excitement is high within the squad, with players eager to return to winning ways following recent losses to New Zealand and Australia.
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