The Proteas, who had to wait until late in the day for their opening Group A fixture, quickly settled once they took to the court, producing an assured display against the world No. 9-ranked Queens.

It was the opening match of the tournament for both teams, with the African champions proving too strong throughout.

Veteran defender and Free State stalwart Karla Pretorius marked her return to the Commonwealth Games in style, competing at the event for the third time. The 36-year-old, who made her South African debut against Malawi in 2011, provided her customary leadership and defensive intensity.

The Proteas in Glasgow. Photo: Team SA

Bloemfontein-born goal shooter Elmeré van der Berg continued the impressive form she has shown for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Australia’s Super Netball competition. At the same time, Cape Town defender Nicola Smith returned to the starting line-up after recovering from the injury that prevented her from completing the knockout stages with Manchester Thunder.

Malawi kept the opening exchanges competitive by moving the ball quickly through court, but South Africa gradually took control. The Proteas edged the first quarter 18-12 before extending their advantage to 34-23 by half-time.

Coach Jenny van Dyk’s side tightened up even further after the break. Pretorius shifted into the goal defence position, with Jamie Golob moving from wing defence to goal defence support, while Tarle Mathe was introduced at wing defence.

???? First cap. First Commonwealth Games. What a moment, Karla Victor! ??#TeamSA pic.twitter.com/4FtAyEYMwC

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 25, 2026The tactical adjustments paid dividends as South Africa restricted Malawi to just nine goals in the third quarter to open up a commanding 49-32 lead heading into the final period.

The last quarter also saw a memorable milestone when 20-year-old Karla Victor, a former South Africa Under-21 player, earned her senior international debut. She slotted in at wing attack, while Mathe and Free State centre Refiloe Nketsa exchanged positions before Kovsies stalwart and captain Khanyisa Chawane later replaced Mathe in the middle.

The fresh combinations allowed Malawi to enjoy their best spell of the second half, with the Queens narrowly shading the final quarter. However, the damage had already been done as South Africa remained firmly in control, adding 16 goals to Malawi's 12 to comfortably close out the contest.

A winning start for @OfficialTeamRSA in Glasgow! ????#TeamSA #ForMyCountry #Glasgow2026

?? @WorldNetball_ pic.twitter.com/v4gmt6y56I

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 25, 2026

Van der Berg was outstanding in the shooting circle, missing only four attempts to finish with an impressive shooting accuracy of 92%.

The Proteas will be back in action on Sunday at 17:00 when they face Tonga, who endured a difficult opening outing after suffering a heavy 99-38 defeat to defending champions Australia.

Elsewhere on the opening day, Uganda produced one of the standout performances by defeating sixth-ranked Wales 59-50, despite entering the tournament ranked seventh in the world.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg