Spar Proteas Lose to Jamaica in First Netball Test Match, Coach Van Dyk Stays Positive
Kingston – The SPAR Netball Proteas faced a tough defeat against Jamaica, losing 55-47 in the opening Test of the three-match Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series held in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday. However, national coach Jenny van Dyk remains optimistic.
“In our last encounter with Jamaica, we lost by 18 points – this time, it was just an eight-point difference. There’s progress to build on, and we will be better prepared for the next match,” Van Dyk stated following the competition.
The two sides exchanged goals in the fiercely contested first quarter, which concluded with a 12-all tie.
In the second quarter, South African goalkeeper Nicola Smith suffered a significant fall and was forced to leave the court due to an arm injury. Her substitute, Ane Retief, was penalized for two minutes for a foul (dangerous play).
The Sunshine Girls capitalized on this opportunity, winning the quarter 16-11.
Jamaica continued to build on their advantage in the third quarter, at one point extending their lead to 10 points twice.
Nevertheless, the SPAR Proteas rallied back, narrowing the gap to seven goals, bringing the score to 42-35.
In the final quarter, the Sunshine Girls surged ahead, establishing a 12-point lead. However, Captain Khanyisa Chawane’s team fought valiantly until the end, with outstanding shooting from Elmere van den Bergh and the in-form goal attack Kamogelo Maseko helping the SPAR Proteas finish just eight goals shy.
“We had a strategy in place, but we faced unexpected challenges in the second quarter,” explained Assistant Coach Zanele Mdodana.
“That was a turning point for us, as all other quarters were closely contested. Losing Nicola shifted the momentum of the game,” she added.
In the earlier match, the SPAR Baby Proteas shone, securing a convincing 61-31 victory over Jamaica Under-21.
The next match is scheduled for Thursday, (2 January 2025 – 02h00 SA time), followed by the final test on Sunday, (26 January 2025 – 01h00 SA time).
All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 DStv Channel 209.