On Sunday 9th February, the Vitality Roses secured a 61-55 win over South Africa to win the Netball Nations Cup in front of a sold-out Copper Box Arena in the capital.
It was clear from the first game of the competition that Jenny Van Dyk’s side were motivated to win the trophy, as the opening game saw South Africa defeating Uganda 70-45. A repeat of the Africa Netball Cup Final, this match was bound to be a great one and it did not disappoint as Kamogelo Maseko’s incredible performance won her player of the match and subsequently led her side to victory.
The Vitality Roses started the competition with an impressive 62-36 win against Malawi in front of an electric crowd at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. Throughout the entire game, the thrilling atmosphere remained, as it further inspired Jess Thirlby’s side.
Speaking to Loughborough Lightning player, Beth Cobden shared her thoughts on the rest of the tournament and if she believed they could go all the way. “It was an exciting game, and all the girls put in a grind and yeah we can definitely go all the way.” She also praised fellow teammates Paige Reed and Emma Thacker, both of whom made their debuts.
The Roses suffered a 61-59 defeat to South Africa the next day, however after beating Uganda 59-48 the following week and setting up a final against South Africa, they were looking to even the score.
This was the sixth time the Roses had reached the final, but this proved to be their lucky year as they fought from behind to claim a 61-55 victory over South Africa.
Funmi Fadoju was named player of the match after her spectacular performance, making six interceptions, six deflections and six gains. Talking to Sky Sports after the match, she discussed the connections the players had made, “we were working to each other’s strengths instead and we knew exactly where to go, who was free and we worked for each other.”
The past couple of years have been somewhat frustrating for the Vitality Roses as they have come so close to success. Losing the World Cup to Australia in 2023, in what was their first ever World Cup Final, to then having to relive the heartbreak in the 2024 Nations Cup Final to Australia once again. This title is the first major piece of silverware the team have won in six years. A trophy that definitely carries a special meaning to the team, repsenting all the additional effort put into this competition. Now, the Roses can finally celebrate.
After a record-breaking crowd of over 8000 at last season’s NSL (Netball Super League) final, Sky Sports have announced that they will extend their coverage of the league, broadcasting over 75% of matches with the rest being available to watch on BBC, as part of a separate deal. The league relaunches in March and is projected to be the most viewed to date, with every game being available to view worldwide.
This comes after England Netball announced a new era for the Netball Super League, with plans for 2025 including clubs playing in bigger arenas, attracting larger audiences and improving the governance structure to further support the professionalisation of the sport.
Edited by Fernando Vieira Ladaga Leomil.
