South Africa’s Baby Proteas reach their first-ever Netball World Youth Cup semi-final, setting up a blockbuster clash against Australia.
Gibraltar (26 September 2025) – History was made as the SPAR Baby Proteas stormed into the semi-finals of the Netball World Youth Cup for the very first time. In a dazzling display of speed and teamwork, South Africa outclassed the Cook Islands 79–45 in their quarter-final showdown.
It did not all go their way at first as the Cook Islands came out firing, trying to unsettle the Baby Proteas early on. But South Africa quickly found their rhythm and ended the first quarter with an 18–13 lead. From there, the momentum swung in their favour. By half-time, the scoreboard read 38–21, and the Baby Proteas were in full control.
The third quarter saw fresh energy injected into the team, and those changes paid off. South Africa added 17 more goals. With every quarter, the Baby Proteas edged closer to rewriting their story. After 45 minutes, they were cruising at 55–35, their eyes firmly on the historic finish line.
The Cook Islands battled hard but could not stop South Africa. At full-time, the Baby Proteas sealed the deal with a 79–45 win. Making this their best ever performance at the tournament, surpassing their previous highest finish of fifth.
Next up is a clash with four-time world champions and current silver medalists Australia later today.
Head Coach, Precious Mthembu, looks at the challenge that lies ahead.
“We know that they are a World class side, but we need to shift our performance to the next level… ensuring that their mental and physical state is ready to go. We respect the quality of the opponent but we are really confident in our system.”
Coach Mthembu could not hold back her emotions after the final whistle.
“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.”
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