The SPAR Proteas continued their impressive start to the Africa Netball Cup with a convincing 58–41 victory over Zimbabwe, but the result carried an even greater significance for defender Refiloe Nketsa, who celebrated her 50th Test cap in a truly memorable full-circle moment.
Nketsa’s milestone came against the very same team she made her senior international debut against in 2021, and in the same tournament where her journey at international level began.Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Nketsa described it as a moment she will treasure for the rest of her career. “My 50th cap is a full-circle moment for me. My debut was against Zimbabwe in 2021. How beautiful is it to have my 50th milestone against the same team I started my netball senior career against and in the very same tournament?”
For Nketsa, the milestone was not simply about reaching 50 international appearances. It represented the growth she has experienced both as a player and as a person since making her debut. “This moment is one I would never forget because it goes to show and will always be a reminder that this is where I started, and 50 games later, this is the type of player I now am.”
The defender reflected on how her journey has seen her mature from a young player into a more experienced senior international, with every match contributing to her development. “I may have started as a young child and everything, but I have matured in my game and matured in my approach to a senior player. I’m really thankful for this opportunity and I can never thank God enough for what He has done for me.”
Nketsa also spoke about how reaching such a milestone changes the way a player appreciates the game, with the small moments becoming just as meaningful as the matches themselves. “With every game that you get to play, it becomes more than just a game. You treasure the little things, the small moments, you treasure everything that is given to you and done for you and looking back, it’s honestly been a very beautiful journey.”
Having her teammates, family and loved ones share the occasion made the milestone even more special, she said: “A journey that I could never change, and to be sharing this moment with my teammates, my family and my loved ones is a beautiful moment. I’m at a loss for words at the moment, but I’m content and very grateful to be where I am.”
The significance of Nketsa’s achievement was also recognised by the coaching staff before the match. While the team had already established its game plan and key performance indicators, the coaches took a moment to acknowledge Nketsa’s contribution to the team and the wider federation.
“Before we touched on the game plan, we had a moment where the coaches appreciated the type of player I am and the type of person I’m becoming. They appreciated my contribution to the team, my contribution to the federation as a whole.”
Nketsa also emphasised that reaching 50 caps is not something that should ever be taken for granted. “For me to experience this 50th milestone is an honour and I wish everyone can get to experience it because it’s not something that comes lightly or is always guaranteed.”
Nketsa believes that players can control their approach, work ethic and willingness to contribute to the team, with the rewards coming through consistent hard work. “As a player, control what you can and always perform and give what the team needs from you at the moment. I think these will be the benefits that you reap from the hard work you put in.”
Her milestone was accompanied by a strong performance on court, with SPAR Proteas head coach Jenny van Dyk praising Nketsa for leading by example on her special occasion. “I’m happy about the results today. The team did a phenomenal job to break down the Zimbabwean attack and were very valuable on the defence, especially Refiloe with her 50th Test cap. She led by example on that court and had a phenomenal game.”
Van Dyk was also pleased with the combinations used throughout the match and indicated that the coaching staff will continue to rotate players and explore different combinations as the tournament progresses. “Overall, I’m very happy with the combinations we’ve put out there. We’re still in the process of rolling out other combinations in the next game. There are great players that can rotate in, and it’s important to have different combinations to start the game.”
The coach also highlighted the squad’s ability to respond quickly to instructions and grow in confidence. “There’s a lot of talent in this group and they are getting more confident by the day.”
A milestone that means more than 50 games
For Nketsa, reaching the milestone has also brought with it a sense of responsibility to help the next generation of players coming through the national team. Reflecting on the journey, she pointed to the two players who received their own caps the previous day and hoped they would view every international appearance as another opportunity to develop.
“Looking back to what happened yesterday, we had two players get capped, and I hope for them it will be a reminder that every game that they get under their name, you get better as you go and the experience will be much more.”
She stressed that international sport is ultimately bigger than the individual. “It’s never about the person but how you make it better for someone else in the team.”» As the celebrations continued following South Africa’s 58–41 victory over Zimbabwe, Nketsa summed up the occasion in a way that captured the significance of her journey.
“To sum up this moment, it is a full-circle moment. It’s a moment that will last forever. I will cherish what happened today and how it happened and everything that happened leading up to the 50th milestone.”
From making her senior international debut against Zimbabwe in 2021 to returning five years later to earn her 50th cap against the same opponent, Nketsa’s milestone represents a journey of growth, perseverance and maturity.
“I’m really grateful for everything that happened, the detail and how I came to become this player that I am. It was a beautiful moment to be myself and allow myself to be celebrated.
For the SPAR Proteas, the victory keeps their Africa Netball Cup campaign moving in the right direction. For Nketsa, however, the day will forever stand apart — a celebration of where her international journey began, how far she has come and the player she continues to become.
Writer: Jabulile Mabena
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