'We are ready to compete'

The SPAR Baby Proteas are ready to take to the court and compete in the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. The last junior World Cup was held eight years ago, while the most recent edition, scheduled for Fiji, was cancelled due to Covid-19.

Coach Precious Mthembu, who assembled a 12-player squad including three reserves, departed South Africa on 10 September.

The team made a stop in London for two practice matches against Hertfordshire University and the England Under-21 side.

Mthembu highlighted the importance of these matches, saying they provided a valuable benchmark for her players.

“For us it was particularly important to play these practice matches because it allowed us to face different teams, try different combinations and styles. As a coaching team with Phumza (Maweni), this gave us a clear indication of what we need to focus on, what we are doing right and where we can improve. I am proud of my players because they really showed that they can step up and play competitively.

"The players were also surprised themselves when they realised they could punch above their own weight.”

The team has now settled in Gibraltar and has already put in several training sessions ahead of their opening match against Barbados on Saturday. Mthembu has confirmed that she would still like to secure a few more practice fixtures before then, with a match against the Cook Islands scheduled for Thursday.

Player management will be crucial both before and during the tournament. With Mthembu and Maweni having competed at this level before, the coaching duo understands the importance of balancing individual needs with the demands of the team environment.

Mthembu explained that the group is focused on unity, ensuring that every player is seen equally.

“We are careful not to view anyone as the youngest in the team, as that might make them timid and miss the opportunity to step up and perform. We encourage everyone to be their best. We have a great crop of leaders such as Phophi (Nematangari) and Karla (Victor), who have motivated the rest of the squad and kept everyone going.”

The team has set themselves two clear goals: to perform strongly in their pool and to advance through the knockout stages with the ultimate aim of achieving a podium finish.

South Africa has been drawn in Pool D alongside Fiji, Barbados, Malawi, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Fixtures

South Africa v Barbados - Saturday @ 7pm

Trinidad & Tobago v South Africa - Monday @ 10am

Malawi v South Africa - Tuesday @ 5pm

Fiji v South Africa - Wednesday @ 7pm

SPAR Baby Proteas Under-21 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.