Jenny Van Dyk proud of team progress despite missing Commonwealth Games semis

This after securing a 62-54 victory over Uganda in the fifth-place playoff to end their campaign on a positive note.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Van Dyk says she was encouraged by the team’s progress throughout the tournament and praised the bravery and determination they displayed in every match.

“I have learnt quite a lot during this tournament. We look ahead to the World Cup with confidence, having an idea on where to fix. We know that the team has shown great improvement and just the way that they are playing in these matches they are showing braveness and a fierce approach. We can truly take so much from that and we are hopeful for the future,” said Van Dyk.

South Africa won four of their six matches but narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals.

“I am happy with how we have finished in the tournament, happy with our final match against Uganda. It is also impressive that we have moved up in the rankings. Just the team’s fighting spirit from the first match to the final match. It is unfortunate that we missed out on a semi-final spot,” added Van Dyk.

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The 43-year-old mentor also reserved special praise for captain Khanyisa Chawane, commending her leadership on and off the court throughout the tournament in Glasgow.

“Yes, Khanyisa is still captain of the team. I am proud of how she led the team throughout the tournament. At some point she wasn’t feeling well in that match against Uganda, but we saw her continue to lead the team and push through,” she expressed.