JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: The SPAR Proteas were greeted with a warm welcome from enthusiastic fans and the media at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday. The team returned from a month-long tour of Jamaica and England, where they recently participated in the Nations Cup.
Despite a valiant effort, the Proteas narrowly lost to hosts England, finishing with a score of 61-55 in a thrilling Nations Cup final in London on Sunday.
They remained unbeaten in three matches prior to the final, overcoming their African competitors Malawi and Uganda, and achieving a remarkable win against the fourth-ranked English team, setting the stage for an electrifying final.
WE’RE CLEAR ON WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE, SAYS VAN DYK
After their experiences in Jamaica and England, SPAR Proteas coach Jenny Van Dyk is optimistic about building on those performances and lessons learned.
“We were able to learn so much during the time away; we used absolutely every minute we could. We had so many video sessions. The team has just been so fantastic, we have enjoyed so much time together. You can see what we can get out of our unit when we spend time together,” Van Dyk said.
“It’s a bunch of players with a lot of energy and leadership skills. We’ve set out our goals as a team, and all the players have bought into the vision, the culture, and the roles and responsibilities within our unit.
“We’re very clear on what we want to achieve in the next couple of months and years.”
Proteas’ Goal Attack Kamogelo Maseko, who was impressive throughout the tour, said the experience is one she would never trade for anything.
“This was a different camp; the energy was incredible, everyone took accountability, and we had open and honest conversations. This happened internally as a group outside of management,” said Maseko.
MASEKO: I WOULDN’T TRADE THE EXPERIENCE
“But I think, personally, we knew it was gonna be a challenge. We were clear that if we want to be the best in the world, we have to play against the best in the world.
“As a squad, we grew a lot at a quick rate. It was hours of analysis and hard work, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world. I learnt quite a lot in Jamaica and England.”
I EVEN CRIED, REVEALS MOLOKWANE
Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane revealed she shed a tear upon witnessing how the team held their own during a challenging moment in the Nations Cup final. The SPAR Proteas had to play for six minutes with one player down after centre Refiloe Nketsa was sent off the court for dangerous play.
“I want to thank the team and appreciate the leadership of Khanyisa [Chawane – team captain]. I saw her leadership when Fifi [Nketsa] was taken off court, not to come back and I said now we have a leader and a replacement for Bongiwe Msomi,” Molokwane said.
“I was so proud of her that I even cried. I cried because I felt we have a leader.”
She expressed her gratitude to the sponsors for their unwavering support.
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