SA dominates at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup
Netball
Action-packed netball was the name of the game at the 2024 edition of the Africa Netball Cup in Swakopmund.
South Africa claimed victory in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the Africa Netball Cup 2024 in Swakopmund.
The tournament saw 10 African countries participating and showcasing the best netball talent.
In the men's division, Eswatini claimed the second spot, while Zimbabwe secured the third place. The South African men’s team delivered a series of impressive performances to secure their title, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in African netball.
Similarly, in the women’s division, South Africa’s persistent energy and tactical skills ensured victory for them. Uganda’s team fought fearlessly to secure second place, while Zimbabwe’s women took home the bronze medal after an intense match in the semi–finals.
Namibia’s women’s team achieved a respectable fifth place finish on the log, after defeating Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Zambia throughout the tournament. However, Namibia were handed defeats by Zimbabwe and Uganda. Namibia’s men’s team, which participated for the first time, finished sixth on the log after securing one win against Lesotho. Their historic first win marked a milestone in the development of men’s netball in the country.
The Africa Netball Cup 2024 celebrated not only fierce competition but also the growing inclusivity and the popularity of netball in Africa.
Cecilia Molokwane, the president of Netball Africa, commended Namibia for organising an exceptional tournament. “Namibia Netball has done an outstanding job with this event, showcasing their commitment,” she said. Molokwane expressed her admiration for Namibia’s men’s team, saying, “had we known their potential, we would have invited them earlier! As for the women’s team, progress takes time, consistent effort and preparation is key.”
She also praised Zimbabwe for overcoming higher-ranked opponents like Uganda and Malawi, describing their achievements as a positive sign of netball’s development across Africa.
Molokwane congratulated South Africa on their dual triumph and emphasised the importance of every participant in the tournament’s success. “The players are at the heart of this sport without them, there is no game.”
The President of Netball Namibia, Rebekka Goagoses, highlighted the tournament’s significance for the country, "This year’s Africa Netball Cup was monumental, not only for showcasing talent but for breaking new ground in inclusivity with the rise of men’s netball. Our women’s team continues to grow stronger, and our men’s team has made history with their debut win," she said.
Goagoses noted that financial constraints had limited Namibia’s ability to send full teams to competitions in the past. “This time, hosting minimised costs and allowed us to include our main team. The male team is here to stay, and it’s time we stop stereotyping and start supporting this young talent,” she concluded. - [email protected]
Log Standings:
Women
1. South Africa
2. Uganda
3. Zimbabwe
4. Malawi
5. Namibia
6. Zambia
7. Kenya
8. Eswatini
Men
1. South Africa
2. Eswatini
3. Zimbabwe
4. Kenya
5. Zambia
6. Namibia
7. Lesotho
The tournament saw 10 African countries participating and showcasing the best netball talent.
In the men's division, Eswatini claimed the second spot, while Zimbabwe secured the third place. The South African men’s team delivered a series of impressive performances to secure their title, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in African netball.
Similarly, in the women’s division, South Africa’s persistent energy and tactical skills ensured victory for them. Uganda’s team fought fearlessly to secure second place, while Zimbabwe’s women took home the bronze medal after an intense match in the semi–finals.
Namibia’s women’s team achieved a respectable fifth place finish on the log, after defeating Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Zambia throughout the tournament. However, Namibia were handed defeats by Zimbabwe and Uganda. Namibia’s men’s team, which participated for the first time, finished sixth on the log after securing one win against Lesotho. Their historic first win marked a milestone in the development of men’s netball in the country.
The Africa Netball Cup 2024 celebrated not only fierce competition but also the growing inclusivity and the popularity of netball in Africa.
Cecilia Molokwane, the president of Netball Africa, commended Namibia for organising an exceptional tournament. “Namibia Netball has done an outstanding job with this event, showcasing their commitment,” she said. Molokwane expressed her admiration for Namibia’s men’s team, saying, “had we known their potential, we would have invited them earlier! As for the women’s team, progress takes time, consistent effort and preparation is key.”
She also praised Zimbabwe for overcoming higher-ranked opponents like Uganda and Malawi, describing their achievements as a positive sign of netball’s development across Africa.
Molokwane congratulated South Africa on their dual triumph and emphasised the importance of every participant in the tournament’s success. “The players are at the heart of this sport without them, there is no game.”
The President of Netball Namibia, Rebekka Goagoses, highlighted the tournament’s significance for the country, "This year’s Africa Netball Cup was monumental, not only for showcasing talent but for breaking new ground in inclusivity with the rise of men’s netball. Our women’s team continues to grow stronger, and our men’s team has made history with their debut win," she said.
Goagoses noted that financial constraints had limited Namibia’s ability to send full teams to competitions in the past. “This time, hosting minimised costs and allowed us to include our main team. The male team is here to stay, and it’s time we stop stereotyping and start supporting this young talent,” she concluded. - [email protected]
Log Standings:
Women
1. South Africa
2. Uganda
3. Zimbabwe
4. Malawi
5. Namibia
6. Zambia
7. Kenya
8. Eswatini
Men
1. South Africa
2. Eswatini
3. Zimbabwe
4. Kenya
5. Zambia
6. Namibia
7. Lesotho
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article