Although it was a comprehensive victory, the She-Cranes made life difficult for the South Africans, even taking the lead at one stage.

The Proteas had a narrow 11-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Midway through the second, Uganda drew level (17-17) after the Proteas squandered a five-goal lead. With two minutes to go to halftime, Uganda pulled ahead for the first time (21-20). The Proteas then scored two successive goals to end the first half with their noses just in front (22-21).

Uganda turned the first ball of the third quarter and edged ahead again. For the next few minutes, the two teams slugged it out until two quick injuries to their goal shooter and wing attack seemed to take the fight out of the She-Cranes. South Africa surged ahead and by the end of the third quarter had a comfortable 10-goal lead (37-27).  The final quarter was something of a one-way street as South Africa scored goal after goal to finish 15 goals ahead.

South African centre Izette Griesel, who came on in the third quarter, was named player of the match.

Proteas coach Dorette Badenhorst said she had expected a tough and physical game against Uganda.  

“We have played them often, so we know what to expect.  

“It’s all about discipline and staying calm,” said Badenhorst.

“I brought Izette on in the third quarter because I wanted her physical strength in defence.  It was a tough game for some of the new caps, who are not used to this kind of physicality.”

Ugandan coach Rashid Mubiru acknowledged that his team had been affected by the two injuries.

“It really upset our game plan,” he said.

Earlier, the Proteas beat Namibia 58-30, after leading 32-15 at halftime. Goal attack Monique Reynecke claimed the player of the match crown.

In the exhibition match, the President’s XII beat the SPAR Baby Proteas 52-41. Goalkeeper Pamela Chukwu was named player of the match.

The Proteas have a rest day on Friday. The SPAR Baby Proteas play the President’s XII as a curtain-raiser to the match between Uganda and Namibia at 6pm.

There will be no spectators at the matches, which will be televised live on Supersport Variety 4.

SCORE BREAKDOWN – South Africa vs Uganda

Q1: South Africa 11 – 10 Uganda

HT: South Africa 22 – 21 Uganda

Q3: South Africa 37 - 27 Uganda

FT: South Africa 49 - 34 Uganda

SHOOTING STATS – South Africa

Nonsikelelo Mazibuko: 32/34 (94%)

Renske Stoltz: 17/24 (70.8%)

SHOOTING STATS – Uganda

Shadiah Nassanga: 12/15 (80%)

Irene Eyaru: 19/20 (95%)

Stella Oyella: 3/4 (75%)

MATCH SHOOTING STATS

South Africa: 49/58 (84.5%)

Uganda: 34/39 (87%)

MOST-VALUED PLAYER

Izette Griesel