After the heartbreaking result against England midweek in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Netball SA president Mami Diale says the focus has shifted to preparing for the World Cup in Australia next year.
The Spar Proteas were so close yet so far after succumbing to a disappointing 58-54 loss to Vitality Roses in their final Pool A match on Thursday.
Coach Jenny van Dyk’s side started the first and second quarter well enough to go to the break with a slender lead.
However, the tables turned in the second half as England capitalised from a lapse of concentration, costly errors by the gutsy South Africans and possibly the replacement of captain Khanyisa Chwane, who was forced out because of a possible concussion.
The result means that the Proteas will not be competing in any of the medal matches today and will have to wait for at least another four years to try to clinch a Commonwealth medal for the first time.
Reacting to the result, Diale said she was proud of how the team performed in Glasgow and would bounce back stronger before the Netball World Cup.
“Congratulations to England on a well-fought match. They won the game and we gained respect. We are proud of the excellent, world-class performance the Spar Proteas displayed at the Commonwealth Games,” Diale told Sunday World.
“The loss hurts but it does not define us. We learn, we reset and we come back stronger.
“This team has the character and the depth to compete with the best in the world.
“Thank you to coach Jenny, the management team, players and every supporter who stood with us. Every result gives us a chance to grow.
“Netball SA remains committed to building and supporting the team in preparation for the 2027 World Cup,” she added.
The Proteas and the rest of Team SA are expected to travel back to the country in the coming days.
- The Spar Proteas lost 58-54 to England in their final Pool A match at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, missing out on medal contention.
- South Africa led in the first half but fell behind due to errors and the possible concussion of captain Khanyisa Chwane.
- Netball SA president Mami Diale praised the team’s performance and expressed pride despite the loss.
- Focus has now shifted to rebuilding and preparing for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia.
- The Proteas and Team SA will return to South Africa in the coming days.
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“Netball SA remains committed to building and supporting the team in preparation for the 2027 World Cup,” she added.
