South Africa claimed African bragging rights after defeating Uganda 62–54 in the fifth-place playoff at the Commonwealth Games, improving on their sixth-place finish at the 2022 edition.
For the second consecutive Commonwealth Games, the continent’s two netball powerhouses met in a classification match. Uganda had emerged victorious when the sides met in Birmingham four years ago, but this time South Africa turned the tables with a composed performance.
Head coach Jenny van Dyk made a few changes to her starting line-up following the defeat to England, with Karla Pretorius, Owethu Ngubane and Tarle Mathe all beginning the match on the bench.
South Africa started brightly, taking control of the opening stages and building an early advantage. However, Uganda gradually settled into the contest, capitalising on turnovers to swing the momentum in their favour. The East Africans finished the first quarter strongly to take a 17–12 lead.
Van Dyk introduced Tarle Mathe at centre at the start of the second quarter, replacing Nketsa, and the change proved effective. South Africa regained control by applying relentless defensive pressure and making the most of Uganda’s mistakes. The Proteas dominated the quarter 20–11 to overturn the deficit and head into halftime with a 32–28 lead.
The third quarter was fiercely contested, with both teams trading goals throughout. South Africa maintained their composure in key moments and edged the period 16–13, extending their advantage to 48–41 heading into the final quarter.
With fatigue beginning to show after three intense quarters, both teams slowed the tempo in the closing stages. South Africa remained disciplined, controlled possession well and closed out the contest by taking the final quarter 14–13 to seal a deserved 62–54 victory.
The result not only secured fifth place at the Commonwealth Games but also ensured South Africa finished as Africa’s highest-ranked team at the tournament.
Images: World Netball