On Thursday night the Proteas started the series like a house on fire as they beat the Malawi Queens 68-31 at the Ellis Park Arena, in a game which also signalled the start of a new era in South African netball.

South Africa was in control from the start to finish as they led 16-11 after the first quarter, and 32-19 at halftime. The Proteas shifted gears in the third quarter to extend the lead to 48-27 before finishing strong.

The Free State stalwart Khanyisa Chawane reflects on her first Test as the captain.

“I really, really felt honoured, especially leading the ladies,” said Chawane.

“They were so confident. You could tell that each and every one was just ready to play. And also, the crowd, just how they acknowledged us. It was just a moment that was so sentimental. I just took everything in and felt like, what a privilege to be in this position.

“In the first half, everyone probably had nerves as well, and we started very static and very safe. But I think moving into that attack, just taking much more lead when I’m on the wing attack, in our attacking end, really helped a lot. There was just more connection than communication.

Proteas. Photo: Netball SA

“Whereas I feel in the first half, we were just assuming, we just didn’t have that much confidence in one another than when we did as the game progressed. But those things happen and we needed this game for that to happen. So that in the second game, we know that we can trust each other even more and even do better.”

The second Test will be played on Saturday at 17:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek