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Unbeaten Baby Proteas secure spot at Netball World Youth Cup 2025

netball23 March 2024 17:30
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The Spar Baby Proteas remained unbeaten to secure their spot in the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar with a 45-26 victory over Malawi in the final of the Africa Regional Qualifiers in Pretoria on Saturday.

The Malawians, whose only loss in the qualifiers came against South Africa, used their height and physical advantage against the Baby Proteas, but this did not deter the South Africans who enjoyed the support of the home crowd.

The Baby Proteas took the first quarter 12-5, but the Malawians fought back to edge the second quarter 9-8 as South Africa held a 20-14 halftime lead. 

The Baby Proteas dug deep in the Championship quarter and their discipline and precision saw them taking the spoils 12-5 and extend their lead to 32-19.

Malawi’s goalkeeper Shabel Bengo was sent off for a dangerous foul on Renezia Andrews just as the last quarter started and the Baby Proteas used their numerical advantage wisely as they piled on the goals to make sure that they win the match and keep their winning record intact.

Earlier, Kenya overcame Namibia 50-42 to secure fifth spot, while Zambia held their nerve to edge Zimbabwe 43-41 in the third-place playoff match to secure their spot in Gibraltar next year.

OVERALL WINNERS

Most Disciplined Team – Zambia

Most Promising Player – Harriet Muchuma

Best Shooter – Thandazile Ndlovu

Best Mid Court player – Phophi Nematangari

Best Defender – Sanmarie Visser

Player of the Tournament – Karla Victor

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