Seen Here: Champions once again! South Africa’s men’s and women’s national netball teams celebrate after successfully defending their Africa Netball Cup 2025 titles in Lilongwe, Malawi, capping off unbeaten campaigns that reaffirmed their dominance on the continental stage. Photo Credit: Supplied
LILONGWE, Malawi – South Africa reaffirmed its dominance in African netball after both the men’s and women’s national teams successfully defended their continental crowns at the Africa Netball Cup 2025, bringing a spectacular week of competition in Lilongwe to a fitting conclusion.
Played before a packed crowd at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex, the tournament showcased the rapid growth of netball across Africa, with passionate supporters creating an electric atmosphere throughout the week and filling the arena for the championship finals.
South Africa emerged unbeaten in both divisions, underlining the country’s status as the continent’s powerhouse while other nations demonstrated the increasing competitiveness of African netball.
South Africa’s men reign supreme once again
The men’s final saw South Africa produce another polished performance to defeat Zimbabwe 40-29, successfully defending the title they claimed in the previous edition.
Displaying exceptional discipline, clinical finishing and defensive resilience, the South Africans controlled the contest from the opening whistle and never allowed Zimbabwe to gain sustained momentum.
Head coach Jabulani Vilane praised his team’s professionalism and determination after completing an unbeaten tournament.
“To be defending champions is never easy, but the boys understood the responsibility. They did a phenomenal job and stayed unbeaten.”
The victory further cements South Africa’s growing reputation as the benchmark in African men’s netball.
Seen Here: Continental excellence on display. South Africa delivered commanding performances in both championship finals, defeating Zimbabwe 40-29 in the men’s final and Uganda 56-34 in the women’s final to complete a historic double triumph at the Africa Netball Cup 2025. Photo Credit: Supplied
Proteas women overpower Uganda
South Africa’s women completed the perfect tournament with a commanding 56-34 victory over Uganda in the championship match.
Although Uganda displayed moments of attacking brilliance and physical intensity, the South Africans’ accuracy in the shooting circle and relentless defensive pressure proved decisive.
Head coach Jenny van Wyk credited careful preparation and praised both the tournament organisers and Uganda’s spirited performance.
“Thank you to Malawi for hosting such a fantastic Africa Netball Cup in a wonderful arena. So many people came out to support the game today even without Malawi playing.
“We knew Uganda would make us work all day on the netball court. We knew this game would be won in the circle and we prepared accordingly.
“Uganda did a phenomenal job considering it was their first time here, and they really pushed us hard. Well done to South Africa and thank you to Uganda for a great match.”
Uganda coach Rashid Mubiru acknowledged that costly turnovers allowed South Africa to seize control early.
“The match was okay, but we lost some balls and gave South Africa the advantage from the first whistle. The event was very good and well organised. We will go back, make corrections and prepare better for the next tournament.”
Zimbabwe secure bronze
Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe claimed the women’s bronze medal after defeating hosts Malawi 38-33 in a fiercely contested third-place playoff.
Both teams produced an entertaining encounter, but Zimbabwe’s composure during the closing stages proved decisive as they finished the tournament on a high.
Seen Here: A celebration of African netball. Players, coaches and supporters came together for an unforgettable finale at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe as the Africa Netball Cup 2025 concluded with thrilling finals, packed stands and South Africa crowned champions in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Photo Credit: Supplied
Uganda celebrate historic campaign
In the men’s fifth-place playoff, Uganda wrapped up its maiden Africa Netball Cup appearance with an impressive 45-31 victory over Botswana.
Uganda coach Asiimwe Jesse hailed the progress made by his players throughout the tournament.
“My boys came knowing what to do today. We played this team in the preliminary round and won by one. We came back and, as I said, we are learning. This tournament is our maiden tournament and we are progressing.”
Botswana coach Neo Dema admitted his side failed to perform when it mattered most.
“The players didn’t come to the party. It was a bad day and a bad game for us. We were prepared, but it didn’t work for us.”
African netball continues to flourish
Beyond the medals, the Africa Netball Cup 2025 highlighted the remarkable growth of the sport across the continent.
Large crowds, high-quality competition and increasing investment in both the men’s and women’s game reflected the tournament’s growing stature.
Hosted by the Netball Association of Malawi, the championship brought together nine nations for seven days of elite competition, cultural exchange and sporting excellence.
The tournament also demonstrated how African teams continue narrowing the competitive gap, with emerging nations producing increasingly polished performances against established powers.
A statement of continental dominance
For South Africa, the tournament delivered the perfect ending.
Both national teams completed unbeaten campaigns, defended their continental titles and once again set the standard for African netball.
As attention now shifts towards future continental and international competitions, the Proteas leave Lilongwe not only as champions but as the undisputed leaders of African netball.
Final Results
Men’s Final
- South Africa 40–29 Zimbabwe
Women’s Final
- South Africa 56–34 Uganda
Women’s Third-Place Playoff
- Zimbabwe 38–33 Malawi
Men’s Fifth-Place Playoff
- Uganda 45–31 Botswana
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