SPAR Baby Proteas make history as they book semi-final berth

The SPAR Baby Proteas etched their names into the history books as they beat the Cook Islands 79-45 to book a place in the semi-finals for the very first time. This victory for coach Precious Mthembu and her team gives them the opportunity to compete for a podium finish.

South Africa’s quest for a medal continued as they faced the Cook Islands in the quarter-final on Thursday. The SPAR Baby Proteas had finished first in their pool, while the Cook Islands secured second place in theirs.

The Cook Islands were quick off the mark and looked to catch South Africa off guard – a plan that worked briefly. However, the Baby Proteas responded with speed and soon found their rhythm. By the end of the first quarter, South Africa led 18-13.

In the second quarter, South Africa began to pull away as they built on their momentum, piling pressure on the Cook Islands to go into half-time with a 38-21 lead.

At the start of the championship quarter, the SPAR Baby Proteas made a couple of changes and the fresh legs paid off as they added 17 goals to the Cook Islands’ 14.

The Baby Proteas were well on course to break new ground – their best previous finish at this tournament had been fifth place. After 45 minutes, South Africa were cruising at 55-35.

The Cook Islands fought valiantly but it wasn’t enough to deny South Africa their place in history. At full-time, the SPAR Baby Proteas sealed their semi-final spot with a 79-45 win and will now face four-time world champions and current silver medallists Australia on Friday.

“I am incredibly proud of the girls; I am actually tearing up. This is history in the making because we have finally secured a quarter-final victory and booked a semi-final spot, this has never happened before. The girls believed in each other, supported one another and this is unbelievable. This win is testament to the discipline, hard work and determination by the girls throughout the journey. We now need to shift focus to tomorrow’s game against Australia,” said an emotional Mthembu.

SPAR Baby Proteas Squad

Jade Atkins, Renezia Andrews, Ametise Bandu, Kyla Dames, Mbali Diphoko, Lisa Ingwersen, Luca Keun, Bianca Lubbe, Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa, Phophi Nematangari (captain), Zahrah Noah, Giada Prinsloo, Luane Smith, Karla Victor and Kiara van Eeden.