The victory was particularly significant for the hosts, who were looking to make amends after suffering a one-goal defeat in last year’s final. They once again found themselves in a contest decided by the narrowest of margins, but this time it was Cape Town who held their nerve when it mattered most.
The final lived up to expectations from the opening whistle, with neither side able to establish a clear advantage. Cape Town led 13-12 at the end of the first quarter before Tshwane responded strongly to take a one-goal advantage into half-time.
Tshwane continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, with their defensive work forcing Cape Town into a number of missed opportunities. However, the home side refused to let the game slip away, drawing level at 38-all before edging ahead 40-39 going into the final quarter.
The last 15 minutes were a test of composure, with the lead changing hands and neither team able to pull clear.
With the scores locked at 55-all and less than 20 seconds remaining, Cape Town had possession from the centre pass. They kept their composure under immense pressure, with former SPAR Proteas player Sigi Burger converting the decisive goal to seal the championship.
“Obviously there’s a lot of pressure on your hands,” said an elated Burger after the match. “But the beauty of being slightly older and more mature is being able to handle those big moments and knowing it’s just another shot.”
For Cape Town assistant coach Phumza Maweni, who was part of the Western Cape team that last won the tournament in its previous format in 2016, the victory was a special moment for the team and its supporters.
“It was hard on the bench, but I trusted the girls. They took the information and delivered exactly what we wanted them to deliver. It was good for us to win a final for our crowd. We’ve waited too long and I’m sure our community are very happy with this,” Maweni said.
Head coach Freda Kemp was equally proud of the team’s response after last year’s narrow loss.
“We lost the final by one goal last year and, as they say, the table has been set for us – it’s hometown, home crowd. We worked hard to make sure the players had everything they needed to perform at the highest level, so I’m very proud of what they did today,” Kemp said.
Tshwane’s impressive tournament run ended in disappointment, but coach Rozanne Matthyse was proud of the progress made by her young squad.
Tshwane had gone unbeaten in the round-robin stage before knocking out four-time defending champions Johannesburg in the semi-finals. Having failed to reach the semi-finals last year, their appearance in the final represented a major step forward.
“The progression that we made in such a short time, I’m very proud. For me, it’s 10 steps forward,” Matthyse said.
She also highlighted the potential within a squad containing only three players over the age of 30, with the majority of the team under 25.
“Although we lost, I’m proud of what they produced today,” she added.
Mangaung also secured a medal in the senior A section after beating Johannesburg 45-44 in another one-goal contest to claim bronze.
Johannesburg Retain Under-21 Title
In the under-21 A section, Johannesburg continued their dominant run through the tournament by defeating Tshwane 52-38 in the final.
Johannesburg took control early, leading 27-20 at half-time before extending their advantage in the second half to secure a 14-goal victory.
The triumph saw coach Bongi Msomi’s side lift the trophy for a third consecutive year.
Msomi, the former SPAR Proteas captain, took charge of the team in 2024 after Johannesburg had failed to win a match the previous year. Since then, the side has transformed into one of the competition’s most consistent teams.
“The first year we got gold, I really didn’t expect it, but it made us realise that we are on the right path. Then coming into the second year was slightly easier,” Msomi said.
She admitted that defending the title brought a different kind of pressure, with opponents determined to dethrone the champions.
“But I’m incredibly proud of the girls and how they’ve received me, firstly myself as a leader, but as a coach as well. It’s all their work,” she said.
Mangaung completed the under-21 podium by defeating Royal Bafokeng 49-40 to claim bronze.
The championships ended with Cape Town celebrating a long-awaited senior title, while Johannesburg once again demonstrated their strength at under-21 level.
Johannesburg once again demonstrated their strength at under-21 level.
Results
Senior A
- Final: Cape Town 56-55 Tshwane
- 3rd place: Mangaung 45-44 Johannesburg
- Best Shooter: Ine-Mari Venter (Tshwane)
- Best Mid-Court Player: Sanelisiwe Ntobela (Johannesburg)
- Best Defender: Asemahle Dyidi (Cape Town)
- Player of the Tournament: Luca Keun (Tshwane)
Under-21 A
- Final: Johannesburg 52-38 Tshwane
- 3rd place: Mangaung 49-40 Royal Bafokeng
- Best Shooter: Shilo Baradelli (Johannesburg)
- Best Mid-Court Player: Naledi Mokoa (Tshwane)
- Best Defender: Kimberley Amiras (Tshwane)
- Player of the Tournament: Boitumelo Mokoena (Johannesburg)