12 NOVEMBER 2021, Windhoek – An encounter between South Africa and Malawi was always going to be a tight one, the two squared off in the first match of day four, the last time these two sides met was back in 2020 in South Africa and the SPAR Proteas won that affair.
This match lived up to expectation as soon as the whistle went, it was Malawi who threw everything at South Africa and made their intentions very clear about winning this match.
Both teams came into this match with three wins under their belts and one could see why that was the case. It was the SAPR Proteas who were able to recover and take the first quarter 14-11.
Second quarter was not different, the game was very intense and closely contested. Coach Badenhorst made no changes during the break to keep the momentum and pressure on the Malawian team. Another closely contested quarter saw the SPAR Proteas leading 25-22 at the end.
Malawi came back from the break a bit distracted and seemed to be giving away possession cheaply, one could wonder if this was caused by the outburst that happened on the bench just before the break.
The SPAR Proteas capitalised on this and made sure that they extend their lead comfortably so, they stuck to their game plan and made the most of Malawi’s errors. Phumza Maweni seemed to have been winning the battle with Joyce Mvula at the back. South Africa extended their lead and finished the quarter with 41-29 on the board.
Coming into the last quarter, South Africa retained their shape and made sure they get the game over the line. They restricted the Malawi attackers to only scoring 10 goals. The SPAR Proteas handed Malawi their first defeat, beating them 56-39.
“It was a tough battle for us out there, both on and off court. Playing Malawi was tough, and I am glad that we managed to take charge during the third quarter, the difference between us and the opponents was that we played the ball and not the man,” said Dorette Badenhorst, SPAR Proteas Head Coach.
Quarter Score Breakdown:
Q1: SA 14-11 Malawi
Q2: SA 25-22 Malawi
Q3: SA 41-29 Malawi
Q4: SA 56-39 Malawi
South Africa’s Starting VII:
WD: Monique Reyneke; C: Izette Griesel; GK: Phumza Maweni; WA: Bongiwe Msomi (c); GA: Lefebre Rademan; GD: Jamie van Wyk; GS: Ine-Mari Venter
Malawi’s Starting VII:
GS: Joyce Mvula; GK: Towera Vinkhumbo; GD: Carol Ngwira; WD: Grace Mwafulirawa; GA: Jane Chimaliro; C: Shira Dimba; WA: Bridget Kumwenda
South Africa will play Botswana on Saturday 13 November 2021 at 11:00 SA time. This match will be streamed live on Netball South Africa’s Facebook page.
