Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa: Nelson Mandela Bay clinched their second victory of the tournament when they beat Johannesburg 59-41 on the second day of the SPAR National Netball Championships at Höerskool DF Malan in Bellville on Tuesday.
The Eastern Cape team had the edge over the team from Gauteng for most of the match. Johannesburg fought hard, but although they drew level on 20-all midway through the second half, Nelson Mandela Bay continued to dominate, largely thanks to their outstanding goalshooter, Kaylin Coetzer, whose unerring accuracy helped her team to stay ahead of their normal rivals.
Coach Lana Krige said she was pleased with the team’s performance.
“I am very excited by Kaylin, who is a real find. I don’t think it will be long before she is noticed,” said Krige.
She said her team were also playing for those who died, as many of them had known the deceased.
“I think Cape Winelands are going to be our biggest rivals, although we are also looking forward to playing Buffalo City, as that will be an Eastern Cape derby,” said Krige.
Cape Winelands showed that they are the team to beat in the competition, notching up their third win when they beat Cape Town 53-44 in a local derby. Winelands dominated throughout the match. They meet Nelson Mandela Bay on Wednesday in a match that is likely to be a thriller.
In other matches on Wednesday, Johannesburg take on Ethekwini and Buffalo City, Cape Town play Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay play Ethekwini.
