Baby Proteas Ready for the Netball World Youth Cup Journey
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
The countdown is over. From 19–28 September 2025, Gibraltar will host the Netball World Youth Cup for the first time since 2017. Twenty nations are set to compete in a tournament that represents the pinnacle of under-21 netball. For South Africa’s SPAR Baby Proteas, the event is more than just a competition, it is a chance to showcase years of preparation, growth, and ambition on the world stage.
Tournament Timeline
The action begins with the Opening Ceremony on 19 September, followed by four days of round-robin pool play. The knockout rounds will then shape the destiny of the teams:
19 September – Opening Ceremony
20–24 September – Round Robin Pool Play
25 September – Quarterfinals
26 September – 9th–20th Place Matches
27 September – Semifinals and Placement Matches
28 September – Medal Matches and Closing Ceremony
Fans worldwide will be able to follow the action live, with matches streamed for free on NetballPass and the Netball World Cup YouTube channel (final three days exclusive to NetballPass).
Baby Proteas Fixtures – Pool D
South Africa has been drawn in Pool D, where they will face a variety of opponents with different styles and strengths:
20 September, 19:00 – 🇿🇦 South Africa vs 🇧🇧 Barbados
22 September, 10:00 – 🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
23 September, 17:00 – 🇲🇼 Malawi vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
24 September, 19:00 – 🇫🇯 Fiji vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
Only the top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals on 25 September, a stage the Baby Proteas are determined to reach.
Preparation and Leadership
The team’s preparations have been extensive. Training alongside the senior SPAR Proteas, competing in the SPAR National Championships and Telkom Netball League, and recording a 3–0 series win against Jamaica’s under-21 side have all strengthened their readiness.
Captain Phophi Nematangari leads the squad with the support of coaches Precious Mthembu and Phumza Maweni, both former Proteas who bring invaluable international experience. Their leadership aims to blend skill with resilience, ensuring the Baby Proteas are prepared for the intensity of world competition.
Global Context
Elsewhere, Pool A features New Zealand and hosts Gibraltar, Pool B brings together Australia and Scotland, while Pool C includes England and Jamaica. The spread of talent ensures no easy route to the finals, with traditional powerhouses and emerging nations alike eager to prove themselves.
Closing Thoughts
As the SPAR Baby Proteas step onto court in Gibraltar, they carry the pride of a nation and the hopes of future generations of South African netballers. Every fixture in Pool D, every quarterfinal challenge, and every possible semifinal or final appearance will be another chapter in their story. Win or lose, their journey embodies the growth of women’s sport in South Africa and the determination to compete among the world’s best.
All image credits to: Netball South Africa
🏐📅🇿🇦✨
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