Kenya Net Kings go down fighting against reigning champions South Africa at Africa Netball Cup

Kenya Net Kings gave holders 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 period, 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 taking advantage of Kenyan errors to overturn the deficit. The champions went into the break leading 24-23.

The third quarter remained tightly contested as both sides exchanged the lead. Goal shooters Juma and Victor Mbithi continued to deliver for Kenya, but South Africa held a narrow advantage at 36-34 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 the hosts 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.

Kenya captain Julius Karanja described the match as a valuable test against a strong South African side and said the team would focus on its next fixture against Eswatini.

South Africa assistant coach Seabo Ngakuzu was pleased with the victory, but called for greater discipline and better possession from his players.

Earlier, Eswatini trounced Malawi 42-37, with Malawi captain Arnold Khobiri identifying turnovers in the final quarter as a major factor in the loss.

Kenya has now recorded one win, against Malawi, and two defeats against Uganda and South Africa in the five-team round-robin men's competition.

The also involves the women competition which is a World Cup qualifier. Kenya Divas are in Pool 2 where they swept aside Nigeria 61-40 in their opening match on September 19 before falling to Malawi on Sunday. The championship ends on September 26 with two teams from the 10-nation ladies competition joining already qualified South Africa and Uganda at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.