Record-breaking scores highlight a dream start for the Baby Proteas at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar (22 September 2025)- The SPAR Baby Proteas could not have asked for a better start to their Netball World Youth Cup 2025 campaign in Gibraltar. They opened Pool D with two statement wins, sending a strong message to the rest of the competition.
First up, South Africa cruised past Barbados with a record 102–27 victory. You are looking at roughly 25 goals per quarter. Their biggest result yet against the island nation. The two sides last met in 2017, when the Baby Proteas claimed a 62–30 win, but this time the victory was even greater.
Just hours later, they went one better, winning against Trinidad and Tobago with a dominant 105–15 performance to make it two wins from two. It was another century on the scoreboard, showing just how much firepower this young side is bringing to the tournament.
The Spar Baby Proteas coach, Precious Mthembu, admitted that her chargers were not focused on scoring 100 goals.
“The scoreline is simply a product of their effort, and the effort we put in when we are training. The result is impressive. We also just need to focus on improving in each game.”
Acting President of Netball South Africa, Mami Diale, praised the team’s grit and determination, while calling on South Africans everywhere to rally behind them as they fly the flag in Gibraltar.
“From humble beginnings, the SPAR Baby Proteas have garnered ounces of grit, zest, hunger and determination to bring the coveted Netball World Youth Cup to South Africa, where it belongs. They are out in Gibraltar, flying the country’s flag high, representing the hopes and dreams of the country as well as cementing the prestige of a transformed, active, and winning netball nation! I therefore compassionately reiterate my call to all South Africans to be the aegis of this noble endeavour and corral behind the team.”
With the senior SPAR Proteas also in action against New Zealand and gearing up against Australia, netball in South Africa is buzzing. But right now, the spotlight belongs to the Baby Proteas, who have made the perfect start to their mission to bring the trophy home.
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