South Africa’s Proteas crush She Cranes to retain Africa Netball Crown

In a dominant display, South Africa’s Spar Proteas successfully defended their Africa Netball Championship title, throttling Uganda’s She Cranes 56-34 in a one-sided final.

The reigning champions set the tone from the opening whistle, racing to a 15-7 lead in the first quarter and never looking back.

Uganda struggled to settle, registering their lowest first-quarter score of the tournament as South Africa’s high-intensity defence disrupted ball movement and scoring rhythm.

The Proteas’ defensive unit was particularly effective in neutralising Uganda’s key shooter, Shadia Nassanga, who was denied space and time in the shooting circle and failed to convert several chances.

Despite attempts to adjust, Uganda’s challenges were compounded by visible fatigue, with slow ball circulation and hesitant decision-making allowing the Proteas to capitalise on turnovers.

South Africa maintained control, extending their advantage to 11 goals by halftime and stretching the lead to 17 goals in the third quarter.

The Proteas closed out the contest in clinical fashion, sealing a 22-goal victory to retain the title they won last year in Namibia.

The result marked another decisive win over the She Cranes, following South Africa’s 65-50 triumph in the 2024 final.

Uganda, who played their worst match of the tournament, settled for silver, an impressive campaign overall but one that ended in disappointment against a superior and composed Proteas side.

South Africa walked away with the gold medal and trophy, cementing their dominance on the continent.