THE SPAR PROTEAS FLOURISH AT THE 2025 VITALITY NATIONS CUP

Written by: Nolwazi Zondi

The Spar Proteas take the lead at the 2025 Vitality Nations Cup hosted in England as the only side to have taken zero losses thus far.

The Proteas thrashed Uganda 70-45 in their tournament opener at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on the 1st of February 2025. Almere van de Berg scored a ground shaking 40 goals and the hero of the day, Kamogelo Maseko contributed 17 vital goals – cementing the win for the fifth ranked team in the world.

The Proteas took that same momentum and edged the English Roses 61-59 the next day, 2nd February 2025. Sanmarie Visser was named man of the match for this second victory and commented, “ It means so much. We knew what we would be up against when we came here. We had a good game plan, and it means so much to come here and beat England on their home ground.”

Coach Jenny van Dyk however, is not counting her chickens before they hatch as she stated, ‘The work is not done yet. We still have another weekend to go and the final spot that we need to secure. I think it’s secured, but we want to win that one as well. So there’s still a lot we need to do.’

The Green and Gold will face Malawi at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday, 8th February, and await to secure the finale of the 4-team tournament set for Sunday, 9th February 2025..