The SPAR Baby Proteas edged their names in the history books on Thursday as they beat Cook Islands 79 -45 to book South Africa a first ever semifinal spot at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
The victory for Head Coach Precious Mthembu and her troops allows them an opportunity to compete for a podium finish.
Cook Islands were quick to get off the mark hoping to catch South Africa off guard – this plan seemed to work temporarily however the SPAR Baby Proteas recovered with speed, settled and found their feet. At the end of the opening quarter, the SPAR Baby Proteas were leading with five points taking the quarter 18 -13.
In the second quarter, South Africa steadily pulled away from their opponents, putting pressure on Cook Islands going into the halftime break leading 38 – 21.
At the start of the championship quarter, the SPAR Proteas made come changes and fresh legs paid off as South Africa managed to score 17 goals in response to Cook Islands’ 14.
The SPAR Baby Proteas were well on track to creating history – the team had never finished anywhere higher than fifth in this tournament – and knew a win on Thursday would put them into the tournament’s top four.
After 45 minutes SPAR Baby Proteas were cruising comfortably and went into the final quarter leading 55 -45.
Cook Islands continued to put up a solid fight, but it wasn’t enough to deny the SPAR Baby Proteas an opportunity to go into their first ever Netball World Youth Cup semifinal. At the end of the match, South Africa secured their last four spot with a 79 – 45 win and will now face off against four-time world champions and current silver medallist Australia on Friday 26th September.
“I am incredibly proud of the girls; I am actually tearing up. This is history in the making because we have finally secured a quarterfinal victory and booked a semifinal 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 SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach Precious Mthembu.
Quarter Score Breakdown:
Q1 – SPAR Baby Proteas 18 – 13 Cook Islands
Q2 - SPAR Baby Proteas 38 – 21 Cook Islands
Q3 - SPAR Baby Proteas 55 – 35 Cook Islands
Q4 - SPAR Baby Proteas 79 – 45 Cook Islands
SPAR Baby Proteas Starting XII
GS -Mbali Diphoko; GA – Giada Prinsloo; WA – Renezia Andrews; C- Karla Victor ( C); WD – Zahrah Noah ( C ); GD –Kiara van Eeden; GK – Luca Keun
Precious Mthembu SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach- IsiZulu
Phumza Maweni, SPAR Baby Proteas Assistant Coach- IsiXhosa
Karla Victor, SPAR Baby Proteas player- Afrikaans