Net Kings players (in red and blue) in action against South Africa at Kasarani Indoors Arena. Photo/KNF
BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER
Kenya Net Kings gave defending champions South Africa a tough challenge before falling 49-43 in the men’s competition at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi on September 21.
The hosts matched South Africa goal for goal in a competitive opening quarter that ended 13-13. Kenya then took control early in the second quarter, building a four-goal advantage at 18-14 through effective passing and shooting, with assistant captain Christovin Juma playing a key role.
South Africa responded by increasing the tempo and capitalising on Kenyan errors to overturn the deficit. The champions went into the half-time break leading 24-23.
The third quarter remained tightly contested as both sides exchanged the lead. Juma continued to deliver for Kenya, but South Africa held a narrow 36-34 advantage heading into the final quarter.
South Africa proved more clinical in the closing stages, extending their lead to 39-34. Kenya fought back to within two goals at 41-39, but turnovers at crucial moments prevented coach Peter Oloo’s side from completing the comeback.
South Africa regained control and moved five goals clear at 45-39 with just over five minutes remaining. Kenya continued to battle, with Francis Wachira scoring twice, but the champions held on for victory.
Valuable test
Kenya captain Julius Karanja described the match as a valuable test against a strong South African side. He said the team would now focus on its next fixture against Eswatini on Wednesday.
South Africa assistant coach Seabo Ngakuzu was pleased with the victory but called for greater discipline and better possession from his players.
Earlier, Eswatini beat Malawi 42-37, with Malawi captain Arnold Khobiri identifying turnovers in the final quarter as a major factor in the defeat.
Read more: Net Kings beat Malawi as Kenya Divas fall in Africa Netball Cup
Kenya have now recorded one win, against Malawi, and two losses, against Uganda and South Africa, in the five-team round-robin men’s competition.
The men’s event is running alongside the women’s competition, which has attracted 10 countries divided into two pools. Kenya Divas are in Pool 2 alongside Uganda, Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia. The Divas are coached by Zimbabwean Tapiwa Chirenda.
Two teams from the women’s competition will qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, joining already-qualified South Africa and Uganda.
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