Refiloe Nketsa on reaching 50th national team cap

Nketsa reached the milestone in South Africa’s second match of the 2026 tournament, helping the Proteas to a 58-41 victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday.

The milestone carries added significance for Nketsa, who made her international debut against Zimbabwe in 2021.

Speaking to SABC Sport, the Proteas star reflected on her journey from a young debutant to an established senior player.

“My 50th cap is a full-circle moment for me. My debut was against Zimbabwe in 2021 and how beautiful it is to have my 50th milestone be against the very same team that I started my senior netball career against in the very same tournament. This moment is an honest one I could never forget. It will always be a reminder to me that this is how I started, and 50 games later, this is the type of player I am.

“It is a reminder that, yes, I started as a youngster, but now I have matured in my game and have grown when it comes to my approach as a senior player in the system. I am grateful for this opportunity and I can never thank God enough,” said Nketsa.

Nketsa was also pleased with how the Proteas executed their game plan against Zimbabwe, while she appreciated head coach Jenny van Dyk taking a moment to recognise her contribution ahead of the milestone match.

“We had a solid game plan for our second match in the tournament, and the goal was to maintain our winning streak. What also motivated me is that the coach took a moment to celebrate my contribution to the team, and it was an honour to experience that as a senior player. I am glad it came with results and it came with the all-important win,” added Nketsa.

With 50 caps now under her belt, Nketsa says her focus is shifting towards using her experience to help nurture the next generation of Proteas players.

“At this point, it is almost imparting the knowledge to other players who are playing in a tournament for the first time, that they too will one day reach 50 caps for the national team. I want to motivate them and assure them that it is possible. I just want to continue making my mark and playing my role as one of the senior players,” she expressed.