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Proteas edged at the death by the Silver Ferns─── MORGAN PIEK 09:42 Mon, 29 Sep 2025
South Africa’s Proteas put up a fierce challenge against the Silver Ferns in the third and final international netball test of the Taini Jamison Trophy series in Invercargill, New Zealand, on Sunday.
While the Silver Ferns had an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series, the Proteas were determined to go out with a fight, and they certainly did that. In the end, however, it was New Zealand who snatched victory in the dying seconds, edging the Proteas 57–56.
South African captain and Free State star Khanyisa Chawane joined an elite group of centurions as she took to the court for the 100th time in the Green-and-gold.
Jamie van Dyk attempts to obstruct the Silver Ferns’ pass. Photo: Netball New Zealand
The Proteas approached the match with determination, eager to secure a win, salvage some pride in the series, and avoid a whitewash. They finished the first quarter 12–8 ahead, marking only the second time in the series that South Africa led the Silver Ferns after the opening quarter.
South Africa maintained their intensity into the second quarter, carrying momentum from the first. For the first time in 40 Tests between the two nations, the Proteas led the Silver Ferns in two consecutive quarters, going into halftime 29–23.
After the break, the Silver Ferns returned rejuvenated, moving with pace to close the gap to 43–41 going into the final quarter.
The Proteas pressed hard until the very last second, but the Silver Ferns, ranked second in the world, scored the winning goal with just two seconds left to clinch a thrilling 57–56 victory.
Following the match, Proteas assistant coach Zanele Mdodana described the result as bittersweet but said the performance had boosted the team’s confidence ahead of their upcoming clash with the world’s top-ranked Australia.
“The girls knew the trophy was out of reach, but they went onto the court to play for South Africa and for each other – and they did exactly that,” said Mdodana.
Jamie van Dyk fights for the ball. Photo: Netball New Zealand
“The team showed resilience, hunger, and relentlessness, refusing to give in and earning the respect of the Silver Ferns with a stellar performance.
“It’s been an incredible journey of growth, with the girls fully buying into the goal of changing the narrative. It was a complete team effort and sets us up perfectly for the series against Australia.”
The Proteas now head to Australia for a three-Test series against the top-ranked Diamonds, with the opening test scheduled for Saturday in Bendigo.
