The South African team retained the trophy for the second consecutive year, having also triumphed when the tournament was hosted in South Africa last year.
Van Dyk lauded her team’s execution while also acknowledging Uganda’s performance: “We didn’t reach our scoring target, but what matters is that we are champions. Uganda played a great game and made us work hard for every goal. Uganda will make you work on a netball court, so we knew we had to be solid from the start and very clear in our game plan,” she said.
The first quarter set the tone. South Africa struck first and quickly established a 16–7 lead, but Uganda responded with fast transitions and sharp shooting that kept the scoreline competitive. Despite the absence of captain Khanyisa Chawane from the starting seven, Elmere van der Berg led South Africa effectively, while Uganda’s defence disrupted passes and forced turnovers.
By halftime, the Proteas had extended their lead to 27–16, thanks to disciplined defensive work and accurate shooting. Yet Uganda’s persistence and court awareness meant South Africa had to maintain focus, particularly in the defensive circle where the visitors applied consistent pressure.
Tactical adjustments proved decisive in the third quarter. With Refiloe Nketsa on a caution, van Dyk introduced Sanmarie Visser at goal defence and shifted Jamie van Wyk to wing defence. The move strengthened South Africa’s defensive structure, limiting Uganda to just 10 goals in the quarter and allowing the Proteas to pull further ahead to 44–26.
The final quarter was about game management. South Africa controlled possession, absorbed Uganda’s late pressure, and ultimately closed out the match with a 22-point victory.
Earlier, South Africa’s men also retained their African title, defeating Zimbabwe 40–29 to claim three consecutive championships. Individual awards went to Elmere van der Berg (best shooter), Jamie van Wyk (best defender), and Vukile Zulu (men’s best defender).