SPAR Proteas Outclass Malawi to Secure Spot in Vitality Nations Cup Final Against England

London – The SPAR Proteas maintained their unbeaten streak in the 2025 Vitality Nations Cup with a hard-fought 58-55 victory over Malawi at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday evening.

The SPAR Proteas remain undefeated, having not lost a single quarter in any of their matches leading up to the final.

Since the Jamaican series, South African coach Jenny van Dyk has consistently established her starting lineup, and the last two games have emphasized her selection trends.

In a twist, she fielded a different team this time, demonstrating the talent and depth available within the South African squad.

A resolute Malawi began the match with a 4-1 lead, staying competitive and within striking distance throughout the first half.

Nonetheless, South Africa managed to take the lead by winning the first quarter by two goals (15-13).

The second quarter was fiercely contested, but it concluded with coach Jenny van Dyk’s squad holding a narrow 31-28 advantage.

In the third quarter, South Africa slightly increased their lead, with Nichole Breedt coming on as Goal Attack, replacing Elmere van der Berg.

Coach van Dyk also brought Jamie van Wyk (WD), Sanmarie Visser (GD), and Ane Retief (GK) onto the court.

The SPAR Proteas entered the final quarter with a 46-40 lead.

Despite a valiant effort from Malawi in the last quarter and Syntiche Kabuya (GK) replacing Ane Retief, South Africa managed to cling to a 58-55 victory.

Nichole Breedt of the SPAR Proteas was awarded the Vitality Player of the Match for her crucial role as Goal Attacker in securing the win.

Breedt effectively opened up the Proteas’ offense and worked well alongside Goal Shooter Rolene Streutker.

This victory paves the way for a highly anticipated final against the host nation, England.

The two teams faced each other once before in the tournament, with South Africa prevailing 61-59 in a tightly contested match at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham last Sunday.

The final on Sunday at 18:00 (SA time) promises to be an exhilarating clash as South Africa aims to maintain its unbeaten streak and claim the Vitality Nations Cup title.

Nichole Breedt Reflects on Player of the Match Award

In her reflections on the win and the accolade, Breedt underscored the importance of teamwork that led the SPAR Proteas to the final.

“I’m thrilled to have received this award. It was truly a team effort,” exclaimed the excited Breedt.

“All seven of us on the court gave our utmost in both attack and defense.

“It was wonderful to be on the court with the support of the entire team, whether it was from those playing alongside me or those on the bench and the management.”

South African captain Khanyisa Chawane expressed her gratitude for the challenging nature of the game, which required teamwork and determination. She believes this experience will be vital in the final.

“The game today was fantastic. We truly needed a match like this where we had to work diligently together as a team.

“We put in significant effort to secure that win, which has allowed us to reach the final.

“Now it’s crunch time – we have to really push through in the final. I’m proud of how we’ve performed in the Nations Cup.”

Score Breakdown: Malawi vs South Africa:

Q1: 13 – 15

Q2: 28 – 31

Q3: 40 – 46

Q4: 55 – 58

Player of the Match: Nicole Breedt

FIXTURES:

Note that the time details below are in South African local time.

SUNDAY, 09 FEBRUARY 2025 (Copper Box Arena, London)

15:30 – Third Place Play-off (Malawi vs Uganda)

18:00 – Final (South Africa vs England)