Khanyisa Chawane says external factors influenced Nations Cup title defeat

The hosts gained control when South Africa lost a key player, Refiloe Nketsa in the third quarter in count of dangerous play.

Speaking at the post-match presser, Chawane says despite the defeat she is proud of her teammate for maintaining mental strength throughout the match at the Copper Box Arena.

"I think today's game was really an amazing game, we were really ready, we came out really hard in the first quarter, working on all the things that we said we were gonna work on and it was really working for us,” Chawane said.

“There were a few mistakes that we made that brought England into the game but a lot of things and external factors really influenced our game today but I'm so proud of the girls on how we kept it together and that mental fortitude that came in for us to keep on fighting until the very end."

The England Roses showed dominance against South Africa when they extended their lead to 30-28 by halftime.

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Chawane says it was a tough match but she is happy that her side did not back down and decided to show character, leaving their hearts on the court.

"It wasn't an easy game, England as well were really prepared, there's a lot of things that they did that forced us to make our own mistakes which shows that they did their homework but above that, the girls really worked hard,” she added.

“We worked really hard on that court, we left everything out there and that's why it's important to go out there and go home with no regrets but having to have played our hearts out and left everything on that court."