Basadi in Action Sports

The SPAR Proteas wrapped up their 2026 Africa Netball Cup pool-stage campaign with a fourth consecutive victory after defeating Namibia 55–33 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. The defending champions maintained their unbeaten record throughout Pool 1, following victories over Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. Their latest result ensured that South Africa finished the group stage with a perfect four-from-four record as they continue their title defence. South Africa made a strong start against the Debmarine Desert Jewels, taking control of the contest from the opening whistle. The Proteas led 16–8 at the end of the first quarter before extending their advantage to 33–16 at half-time. Head coach Jenny van Dyk used the opportunity to rotate her squad in the third quarter, introducing fresh legs as South Africa continued to manage the game. Namibia responded with a determined showing, winning the third quarter 10–8, but the Proteas still entered the final quarter with a comfortable ...

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 deb...

The SPAR Proteas made a strong start to their Africa Netball Cup campaign, defeating Tanzania 90–22 in their opening Pool 1 encounter at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi on Saturday.  South Africa immediately stamped their authority on the contest, producing a dominant first half to take a 43–8 lead into the halftime break. The Proteas’ attacking unit moved the ball with confidence, while their defensive pressure made it difficult for Tanzania to find a rhythm. The second half saw the Proteas maintain their intensity as they continued to extend their advantage. South Africa’s composure and consistency across the court ensured that Tanzania struggled to close the gap. The match also provided an important opportunity for Tinita Van Dyk and Luca Deun, who both made their SPAR Proteas debuts during the opening game of the tournament. The defending champions eventually completed a comprehensive 68-goal victory, closing out their first Pool 1 fixture with a 90–22 scoreline. The resul...

The SPAR Proteas are set to begin their Africa Netball Cup campaign with one clear objective — to defend their continental title and once again bring the trophy home. South Africa enter the tournament as defending champions and one of the most successful teams in the competition’s history. The Proteas first lifted the Africa Netball Cup in 2013, before adding further titles in 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025. This year, however, presents a slightly different challenge for head coach Jenny van Dyk, with several changes to the squad creating an opportunity to test South Africa’s depth while continuing their pursuit of another African title. Jenny van Dyk Van Dyk embraces the challenge With the tournament approaching, Van Dyk says the Proteas are familiar with the demands that come with competing at continental level and are ready for the challenge ahead. When asked about the team’s stress levels heading into the Africa Cup, Van Dyk explained that the players know what to expect from their oppo...

Kyla Dames is a South African netball player from Paarl.She matriculated at Paarl Girls' High School in 2022 where she was finalist in the DStv Schools Netball Challenge.She is currently a third-year BCom Business Management student at the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks).She plays as Wing Attack (WA) and Centre (C) for Tuks Netball,SPAR Baby Proteas and SPAR Proteas senior team. Kyla Dames  Kyla started her journey at school netball and rose quickly.In September 2024 she represented South Africa U21 Baby Proteas at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. She was nominated as captain of UP-Tuks Netball in June 2026 for the USSA Tournament and Varsity Netball 2026,taking over from former captain Caroline Paul.Her vice captains are Luca Keun and Phophi Nematangari.As captain she brings stability,composure and good decision making. Her biggest achievements include her senior debut for the SPAR Proteas on 8 December 2024 against Tanzania at the Africa Netball Cup in Malawi,where Sout...

South Africa’s hopes of reaching the Commonwealth Games semi-finals came to an end after a hard-fought 58-54 defeat to England on Thursday night. South Africa South Africa made a confident start to the contest, taking control of the opening quarter with an energetic display that put England under pressure early on. They executed well at both ends of the court and deservedly finished the first quarter in front. England responded strongly in the second quarter, gradually finding their rhythm and capitalising on key opportunities to close the gap. Despite England's resurgence, South Africa remained composed and edged into the halftime break with a 29-28 lead. The second half continued at a high intensity, with England eventually taking control of the contest. South Africa refused to back down, showing resilience, determination and character against one of the tournament favourites. They fought until the final whistle, but England managed the closing stages well to secure a 58-54 vict...

South Africa and Australia played out a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams producing moments of brilliance across the four quarters. Despite Australia's dominant second quarter, South Africa showed tremendous resilience to finish strongly and head into their next fixture with plenty of positives. Australia narrowly edged the opening quarter 14-13, setting the tone for what looked to be a tightly contested battle. Their defensive intensity and composed attacking combinations allowed them to take a slender advantage after the opening 15 minutes. Australia remained dominant in the second quarter, taking control with an 18-8 performance. Their relentless pressure disrupted South Africa's attacking rhythm while capitalising on turnovers to open up a healthy lead heading into the halftime break. South Africa refused to back down after the interval. They produced a spirited third-quarter display, edging Australia 14-13 as they regained momentum through improved ball movemen...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE As the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continues, South Africa's SPAR Proteas are ready to take on one of the biggest stages in international netball. The team heads to Scotland carrying not only the hopes of millions of South Africans but also the responsibility of continuing to grow the game and inspire the next generation of young netball players. The announcement of the Commonwealth Games squad has generated excitement across the country. The selected players represent a healthy balance of experienced internationals and exciting young talent who have earned their places through consistent performances for both their franchises and the national team. The squad reflects the progress Netball South Africa has made over the past few years in strengthening its player pathway and ensuring that talented athletes are given opportunities to compete at the highest level. Leading the team into this campaign is head coach Jenny van Dyk, who will overse...

Free State Crinums captain, Karla Pretorius is one of the most revered defenders in netball. Her ability to think quickly on her feet is always a difference in the defensive circle of her team.  Karla Pretorius  © However, her journey started from the bottom at little league netball where she fell in love with the game, alongside her sister, Tanya von Berg (née Mostert). They played the sport together until university where they both played for the University of the Free State. Netball took her around the world representing South Africa with the Spar Proteas as well as professional clubs in the United Kingdom and Australia.  Pretorius believes she has accomplished all she sought to. “Right now, I see my netball career as complete in the best way.  I’ve achieved what I set out to, and that gives me a real sense of freedom. I step onto court with pride, contentment, and gratitude. There’s nothing to lose, only an opportunity to give everything I have, every single time...

Behind the GK/GD bib is a whole person — shaped by community, family, loss, joy, and an unshakable belief that circumstances do not define destiny.  Nozipho Ntshangase For Nozipho Ntshangase, wearing the green and gold of South Africa is more than a sporting honour — it is a promise fulfilled to a younger version of herself. A promise made in the quiet moments of a difficult childhood, in a small township called eNseleni near Richards Bay, where hope often had to be self-created. Growing up with both her parents and siblings, home was not always a place of comfort for Nozipho. It was heavy, challenging, and at times overwhelming. School and the netball court became her safe spaces — the only places where she felt free. “I was only happy when I was at school or in netball training because a lot was going on,” she reflects. “But I made a promise to myself as a young girl that one day I would be the one to change the situation at home and in the entire community.”  Owethu Ngubane...

Known to fans as a sharp and dependable shooter for the SPAR Proteas and the Gauteng Golden Fireballs, Ngubane’s journey is shaped just as much by her life off the court as her performances on it. Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, her experiences have been anything but easy. Growing up in a household of four siblings under the care of a single mother, stability was something she did not always know.  Owethu Ngubane “I have three siblings, and growing up was really tough,” she reflects. “Not having a father figure in the house was challenging, but my mom was always there for us.” The family moved around frequently during her early years, searching for a place they could finally call home. When that stability eventually came, so too did the discovery of something that would change her life forever.  SPAR Proteas Test Squad “Once we finally found a stable home, I began pursuing netball,” Ngubane says. “It became my escape and a way to cope with what was happening at home.” Netbal...

As South Africa commemorates Youth Day today, the Telkom Netball League (TNL) stands tall as a testament to Telkom’s unwavering commitment to empowering young women through sport. Telkom Netball League  © Backpagepix Beyond being a premier semi-professional competition, the TNL serves as a vital springboard for rising netball talent across the nation. Rehana Noah of the Western Cape Tornados emphasised the importance of the platform Telkom has created for young players, noting that it allows them to be recognised beyond local borders and opens doors to international opportunities Telkom’s development pipeline begins with the Telkom Netball Championship (TNC), a national tournament for Under‑19/U18/U17 players, a prominent youth netball competition of spotting and developing the sport's future stars nationwide. Phophi Nematangari, current captain of the South African U21 team and a proud product of TNC shared, "Youth Day reminds me that I am empowered to represent my country, p...

In the world of South African netball, few names resonate with as much passion and dedication as Nandi Buthelezi. Once a fierce competitor on the netball court, she now stands at the forefront of the industry in a pivotal sponsorship role at PUMA South Africa, a brand deeply invested in growing women’s sport.  Nandi’s life is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and purpose in the world of sport. We sat down with her to explore her story and how she is now impacting netball from behind the scenes. Nandi Buthelezi Nandi’s path to success wasn’t paved overnight and her entry into the world of sports didn’t begin on the corporate ladder, but rather on the courts of her youth. “My journey into sports has been quite exciting. It all began in high school when I discovered my  passion for netball. I soon realised I had a talent for the sport, representing Johannesburg Central,  West Rand, in district netball and my university [University of Johannesburg] UJ.”  ...

As the excitement builds for the PEP Mini Netball tournament set to take place at Colin Mann Primary in Germiston, Johannesburg, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dumisani Chauke, the tournament’s esteemed brand ambassador.  Image Source: Gallo Sport Chauke, a former SPAR Proteas Netball assistant coach, shared valuable insights about the upcoming event scheduled for Thursday, 6 June, from 13:00 to 17:00. She highlighted that the coaching sessions would cater to a wide range of school coaches focusing primarily on children from seven to ten years old. Our conversation began with Chauke outlining the primary objectives of the netball coaching sessions. “The PEP mini netball coaching sessions are aimed at coaches that coach mini netball, basically coaches from different schools that have signed up through the South African Schools Netball. [These coaches] come together in one venue and get equipped both with mental, emotional skills, get motivated, inspired as well as get given ...