SPAR Baby Proteas Finish Fourth in Historic World Cup Run

The SPAR Baby Proteas closed out their 2025 Netball World Youth Cup campaign in Gibraltar with a fourth-place finish, their best-ever result at the under-21 global showpiece. Despite falling short of the podium after a semi-final loss to Australia (67–36) and a bronze medal play-off defeat to England (55–35), the team captured the hearts of South African supporters and carved their name into the history books with a run filled with resilience, ambition, and breakthrough achievements.

Semi-Final Challenge Against Australia

On 26 September, the Baby Proteas faced their toughest test yet in the semi-finals against Australia, one of netball’s most decorated nations. Having topped Pool D with four straight wins and secured a historic quarterfinal triumph over the Cook Islands, South Africa entered the clash with confidence but aware of the scale of the task ahead.

From the outset, Australia asserted dominance, forcing South Africa into rushed passes and long feeds that disrupted their rhythm. The Baby Proteas fought bravely but trailed 19–9 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter brought some improvement as South Africa settled, yet Australia’s relentless pressure stretched the halftime score to 34–17. Head coach Precious Mthembu introduced tactical changes in the third quarter, but the Australians continued to control possession, moving into a 48–27 lead after 45 minutes.

The final quarter saw Australia close the match with authority, finishing 67–36 and booking a place in the final against New Zealand. For South Africa, the result ended their dream of competing for gold, but ensured they would play for bronze, already an unprecedented achievement.

Quarter Score Breakdown (vs Australia):

• Q1: 09–19

• Q2: 17–34

• Q3: 27–48

• Q4: 36–67

Starting VII vs Australia:

GS – Mbali Diphoko

GA – Luane Smith

WA – Karla Victor

C – Kyla Dames

WD – Phophi Nematangari (C)

GD – Luca Keun

GK – Ametisse Bandu

Bronze Medal Showdown with England

On 28 September, the Baby Proteas lined up against England for a chance to claim South Africa’s first-ever Youth World Cup medal. The match began cautiously, with both teams showing signs of fatigue after a demanding tournament.

South Africa trailed narrowly after the first quarter, 9–8, despite tactical changes from Mthembu, who introduced Renezia Andrews to freshen the attack. England, however, capitalised on errors in the second quarter, punishing turnovers to establish a 25–15 halftime lead.

The Baby Proteas tried to fight back in the championship quarter but struggled to sustain momentum, scoring 10 goals to England’s 13. Entering the final 15 minutes behind 38–25, South Africa faced an uphill battle.

In the last quarter, England pressed their advantage, while South Africa, showing signs of tired legs after a long campaign, faltered in both midfield and attack. England closed out the game 55–35, claiming the bronze medal and leaving South Africa to finish in fourth place.

Quarter Score Breakdown (vs England):

• Q1: 08–09

• Q2: 15–25

• Q3: 25–38

• Q4: 35–55

Starting VII vs England:

GS – Giada Prinsloo

GA – Luane Smith

WA – Kayla Dames

C – Karla Victor

WD – Phophi Nematangari (C)

GD – Luca Keun

GK – Ametisse Bandu

A Record-Breaking Finish

While the bronze medal slipped from their grasp, the Baby Proteas’ fourth-place finish is their best-ever result at a Netball World Youth Cup, surpassing their previous high of fifth. Across the tournament, South Africa displayed attacking flair, defensive resilience, and the ability to compete with the world’s strongest nations.

From their opening 102–27 win against Barbados, to their commanding 105–15 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, a hard-fought triumph over Malawi (64–33), and a confident win against Fiji (86–35), the Baby Proteas proved they could dominate the group stage. Their quarterfinal win over the Cook Islands, which secured a historic semi-final berth, was the defining milestone of their campaign.

Though they fell short against global giants Australia and England, the Baby Proteas leave Gibraltar with invaluable experience, a stronger sense of identity, and the confidence to build towards future international competitions.

Final Whistle

The SPAR Baby Proteas’ journey at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup was more than a campaign, it was a statement of progress for South African netball. A team once considered outsiders became genuine contenders, inspiring future generations and elevating the nation’s reputation on the world stage.

Fourth place may not bring a medal, but it represents history, pride, and the promise of greater achievements to come.

All images credit to Netball South Africa

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