The SPAR Baby Proteas are ready compete in the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. The Junior World Cup last took place eight years ago in Gaborone, Botswana (South Africa ended in six position) while the last event, scheduled for Fiji, was called off due to COVID. 

Coach Precious Mthembu and her 12-player team, including three reserves, left South Africa on the 10th of September and made a pit stop in London for two practice matches against Hertfordshire University and Under 21 England. 

“For us it was particularly important that we play these practice matches because then you get to play different teams, try different combinations and styles. As coaching team with Phumza (Maweni), this gave us a clear indication of what we need to focus on, what we are doing right and so forth. I am proud of my players because they really showed that they can step up and play competitively. The players surprised themselves because they realised that they could punch above their weight,” – said Precious Mthembu, SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach. 

The team has settled well in Gibraltar and has put in a few training sessions ahead of their opening match on Saturday against Barbados. Mthembu has confirmed that she would still like to get a few practice games under her belt before then with the Cook Island match scheduled for Thursday 18th September. 

Mthembu explains how the team is aware of the team dynamics. Nobody is seen as more senior or junior and everyone is treated as an equally valuable team player. 

“We are careful not to look at anyone as the youngest in the team because this might just make them miss the opportunity to step up and do great because they're timid. We encourage everyone to be their best and do their best. We have a great crop of leaders in the team such as Phophi (Nematangari) and Karla (Victor). They have been able to motivate the rest of the team and keep everyone going. 

Mthembu and her charges have set targets to do very well in their pool and make sure to play better and win the knockout stages with the ultimate goal being to get a podium finish. 

South Africa is in pool D with Fiji, Barbados, Malawi, and Trinidad &Tobago. 

Photo credit: David Thabo Rantho

Fixtures

Saturday, 20th September 19:00 
South Africa v Barbados 

Monday, 22nd September 10:00 
Trinidad and Tobago v South Africa 

Tuesday, 23rd September 17:00
Malawi v South Africa 

Wednesday, 24th September 19:00 
Fiji v South Africa