South Africa (54) defeated by Jamaica (59)

It was a frantic final minute with South Africa looking to do the unthinkable and snatch victory from Jamaica, but the Sunshine Girls stood strong securing a four-goal win to kick start their international campaign. Jamaica flew out of the blocks early pushing their opposition into chase position from the get-go thanks to their slick and patient ball movement.

The Spar Proteas were not afraid to play around with positions, with Lenize Potgieter donning the goal attack bib in the first quarter. Although it took her some time to find her feet Potgieter built into the game, using her netball nous and strong holds to hit the scoreboard. Paired with Ine-Mari Venter, the two showed they have plenty of skill but at times struggle with movement in the goal circle given their holding tendencies. The defensive combination of Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Shamera Sterling was near on unstoppable given their prowess in the air and at ground level. Renowned for their ability to read the play and take an intercept the two consistently delivered, using their feet to get around the body of the opponent and use their long reach over the shot to cause doubt. The Proteas struggled to combat the speed and decision making of Jamaica, constantly on the back foot and unable to find their normal rhythm across the court. Jamaica established a six-goal lead heading into quarter time credit to their clever play and strong defensive play setting them up for a dominant game.

With the defence end, solid Jhaniele Fowler upped the ante under the goal post with the towering goal shooter making light work of Phumza Maweni. The South African goal keeper was on the receiving end of a lot of whistle, bodying up on Fowler and causing contact which ultimately gifted the Sunshine Girls with any easy passage to goal. The work of Nicole Dixon and Khadijah Williams through the midcourt was impressive, constantly identifying the space and delivering the ball into Fowler time and time again. Their turn of pace helped to give them that edge against South Africa with both players driving hard to create space. The connection between the Spar Proteas defensive trio was solid with Shadine van der Merwe plying her trade through the midcourt and down back using her speed to fly through for an intercept. As the game went on the partnership of Venter and Potgieter blossomed with the two rotating through with more ease and choosing the right time to hold or move, while also showcasing that accuracy was not an issue capitalising on their opportunities. Despite the attack end stabilizing, Jamaica were still in full control using the angles to transition down the court and ball speed.

Despite a commanding lead Jamaica made a couple of changes with Sterling switching into her preferred position of goal keeper and Latanya Wilson coming on in goal defence. Ward had an immediate impact, getting involved in the transition and applying strong hands over pressure to block Potgieter’s view. South Africa also rung in the changes with Potgieter dropping back into goal shooter while Lefébre Rademan pulled on the goal attack bib. Rademan offered speed and agility in the goal circle forcing the new Jamaican defensive unit to rethink their approach. Wing attack and speedster Bongi Msomi was crucial through the midcourt for the Proteas, working the ball down the court and weaving in and out of the pocket to make space in the attacking third. But Jamaica was unfazed by the changes, sticking to the basics and thinking through everything their opposition threw at them. By three quarter time the Sunshine Girls held a 12-goal lead credit to their dominant performance across each third.

After a disappointing third term, South Africa came out with a fire in the belly and increased intensity. Goal defence and live wire Karla Pretorius upped the ante hunting the ball at every opportunity and limiting the movement of Shanice Beckford who had the best of her in the previous quarters. Through the midcourt Rome Dreyer lifted her game, using her precision passing and vision to deliver pin point passes into Potgieter and Rademan. The increased movement in the goal circle opened up more options for the Proteas with the two shooters relishing the extra space and causing headaches for the Jamaican defenders. Up the other end, Jamaica brought on Shimona Nelson with the young shooter making the most of her opportunities, holding strong and using her aerial ability to reel in passes. But despite the moment being well and truly with South Africa they left their run too late, with Jamaica running out comfortably.