On Saturday, South Africa maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament, which also features Uganda, after edging the Malawi Queens 58–55.

The team from the Great Lakes region got off to a strong start in the Test and raced to a 4–1 lead. However, South Africa managed to pull back well to hold a narrow 15–13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Elmeré van den Berg. Photo: Ben Lumley

It remained a tight affair in the second 15-minute period, but the Proteas managed to retain a 31–28 lead at the half-time break.

In typical fashion, South Africa changed gears somewhat, opening a six-goal lead in the third quarter. However, the Malawi Queens were not ready to throw in the towel.

In the final quarter, Malawi took the fight to South Africa and managed to cut the deficit to three goals, but the African champions held on for the 58–55 victory.

While South Africa managed to beat the much-fancied England earlier in the tournament, the match against Malawi was arguably their most challenging. Captain Khanyisa Chawane felt it set them up nicely for the final against the Roses.

“The game today was a good one – I think we needed this type of game where collectively we had to grind it out and stick together as a team,” said the Free State netball stalwart.

“We worked really hard to get that win. The job is done for us to get into the final. It’s now crunch time – we really need to grind it out in the final. I’m proud of how we’ve worked in the Nations Cup.”

South Africa vs. Malawi. Photo: Ben Lumley

On Sunday at 15:30, Malawi and Uganda will play in the third-place playoff, while at 17:00, England and South Africa will battle it out in the final at the Copper Box Arena in London.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg