The new era of netball in South Africa got off to an emphatic start with the Proteas delivering a dominant performance against the world’s sixth-ranked team.

South Africa was always expected to do very well in the series, but the intensity they showed was on a different level, especially considering that they chopped and changed their team for each of the three Tests.

South Africa was ruthless as they beat their big rivals 69-24 at the Ellis Park Arena, to add to the 68-31 win in the first Test on Thursday and the 69-38 victory in the second Test on Saturday.

While South Africa was sublime during the series, the new captain, Khanyisa Chawane, said they will take the victory but they will strive to become even better going forward. “Everyone gets happy when all the hard work gets rewarded and that’s what happened,” said the Free State netball stalwart.

“We worked hard putting in the work for this series and just to clinch the three-null victory is what we expected and we’re happy to have that.

“Each and every player that was given an opportunity came out there and put their foot down and really did well. Whatever combination the coaches put out worked because of the attitude of a player going out there to do the work.

Players of the Series: Best Shooter – Elmeré van der Berg, Player of the Tournament – Kamogelo Maseko (RSA), Best Centre – Thandie Galeta, and Best Defender – Karla Pretorius. Photo: Reg Caldecott

“We always want to do better, we always want to improve and that’s where we’re at right now. In our play, in everything we do on court, off court, there’s always room for improvement and that’s what we’re looking for.”

The Free State captain, Refiloe Nketsa, was named as the Player of the Match during Sunday’s 3rd Test, while Elmeré van der Bergh of North West was named the best Shooter of the Series. The Free State legend, Karla Pretorius, was named the Defender of the Series. Kamogelo Maseko was named as the Player of the Series.

Netball South Africa is yet to confirm when the Proteas will be in action again.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg