Ranked fifth in the world, South Africa outplayed the third-ranked Roses to seal a confidence-boosting 2–1 series triumph in the SPAR Challenge international Test series, much to the delight of a vocal home crowd.  The Proteas came out firing from the opening whistle, setting the tone in a fast-paced first quarter. 

Their defensive intensity immediately put England under pressure, with Sanmarie Visser at goal defence and Juanita van Tonder at goalkeeper producing crucial turnovers in the circle. 

Those gains were swiftly converted at the other end as the South African midcourt clicked into gear and the shooters found their range.

Sanmarie Visser. Photo: Reg Caldecott

By the end of the opening stanza, the hosts had raced into a seven-goal lead, closing the quarter 16–9 and firmly seizing control of the contest.

South Africa kept their foot on the gas in the second quarter, continuing to suffocate England with relentless pressure and sharp ball movement. The Proteas outscored their more fancied opponents 20–12 in the period, heading into the halftime break with a commanding 36–21 advantage.

England, who have shown resilience throughout the series, mounted their expected fightback in the third quarter. The Roses edged the stanza 17–16, but the Proteas remained composed and disciplined, ensuring their strong first-half work was not undone. Going into the final quarter, South Africa still held a comfortable 52–38 lead.

While England remained competitive in the closing stages, the damage had already been done. The Proteas managed the game smartly, maintaining their dominance and edging the final quarter 13–12 to close out the Test and secure a famous series victory on home soil.

Proteas captain and Free State stalwart Khanyisa Chawane said the team took time to reflect after their second-Test defeat and was thrilled with the response shown on Sunday.

“It was amazing – I loved the hunger,” said Chawane.

 “You could see every single person on that court wanted to win. We went for every ball, changed our bodies, and attacked every loose ball. That effort showed how badly everyone wanted it.”

The players of the series. Best shooter: Owethu Ngubane (Proteas), best mid-court player: Tarle Mathe (Proteas), player of the tournament: Sanmarie Visser (SPAR Proteas), and best defender: Fran Williams (England). Photo: Reg Caldecott

Head coach Jenny van Dyk praised her side’s clinical execution, especially with an eye on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“Today was a clinical performance,” said van Dyk. 

“The team responded brilliantly to the plan and to what we knew we needed to do. I’m incredibly proud of the players.”

Visser, who hails from Upington in the Northern Cape, capped off an outstanding campaign by being named player of the series.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs