GLASGOW — Team South Africa’s netball squad laid down a formidable marker in their 2026 Commonwealth Games opening match, securing a commanding 65-44 victory over African rivals Malawi at The Hydro on Thursday evening.
Under the tactical guidance of Head Coach Jenny van Dyk, the Proteas controlled the pace, possession, and scoreboard from the first whistle to the last in their Preliminary Round Pool A encounter, ensuring an ideal start to their Glasgow campaign.
Shooting Clinic from Van der Berg and Maseko
The story of the match was South Africa’s ruthless efficiency in the shooting circle, spearheaded by the unstoppable Elmeré van der Berg. Playing the full 60 minutes at Goal Shooter, Van der Berg was a towering presence, converting a massive 48 goals from just 52 attempts, finishing with a 92% shooting accuracy and hauling in four crucial offensive rebounds.
She was brilliantly supported by Goal Attack Kamogelo Maseko, who not only shot a near-flawless 17 from 18 (94%) but also acted as the primary offensive orchestrator. Maseko’s incredible work rate across the court saw her rack up a staggering 24 Goal Assists, 24 Feeds into the Circle, and 18 Centre Pass Receives, completely unlocking the Malawian defence.
Quarter-by-Quarter Dominance
The match started with a physical, tightly contested opening few minutes. Malawi’s attacking duo of E. Ng’ambi and M. Kumwenda initially matched the South African scoring rhythm. However, in the final six minutes of the first quarter, the Proteas found another gear, pulling away to secure an 18-12 lead.
South Africa maintained the offensive pressure through the second quarter, utilizing the vision of Khanyisa Elaine Chawane, who delivered 19 Goal Assists and 23 Feeds into the Circle during her 51 minutes on court. The Proteas restricted Malawi to just 11 goals in the period, taking a comfortable 34-23 advantage into the half-time break.
Van Dyk’s Defensive Masterstroke
The defining tactical shift of the match came at the half-time interval. Coach Van Dyk opted to shuffle her defensive pack, bringing off Goalkeeper Nicola Smith to introduce Tarle Nikkita Mathe at Wing Defence. This allowed the versatile Jamie van Wyk to slide to Goal Defence, while defensive stalwart Karla Pretorius moved to Goalkeeper.
The changes paid immediate dividends. Pretorius, who played the full 60 minutes, anchored the circle beautifully, registering two interceptions, two gains, and a deflection while absorbing the physical toll of 11 penalties. The defensive unit completely stifled Malawi’s attack, restricting them to just nine goals in the third quarter, their lowest-scoring period of the match, as South Africa extended their lead to 49-32.
Closing it Out in the Fourth
With a 17-goal cushion entering the final quarter, South Africa managed the game perfectly. Malawi brought fresh legs into their attacking circle and managed to find the net 12 times, but the Proteas answered back with 16 goals of their own.
The fourth quarter also provided a platform for Karla Maria Victor to make her Commonwealth Games appearance. Replacing Chawane at Wing Attack for the final 15 minutes, Victor made an immediate and seamless impact, providing five Goal Assists and five Feeds into the Circle to help close out the 65-44 victory.
With 60% of the overall match goals and 63% of all interceptions (5 to Malawi’s 3), the Proteas have firmly established their credentials as serious medal contenders in Glasgow.
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