The SPAR Baby Proteas are training for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar to break their previous record and impress South Africa. Image: Supplied via SABC News.
(The Post News)– The SPAR Baby Proteas are preparing for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, determined to surpass their previous performance and make South Africa proud.
The under-21 side departs for London on Tuesday night, where they will play warm-up matches before the global tournament gets underway on 19 September. South Africa last competed in the competition in 2017 in Gaborone, where they finished sixth. With the 2021 edition cancelled due to COVID-19, this year marks their long-awaited return to the world stage after eight years.
Baby Proteas Captain Confident of Success
Team captain Phophi Nematangari says the Baby Proteas are aiming high. “Our goal is to do better than the previous World Cup. We’re going out there to give it our all, and our aim is definitely the podium,” she said. The squad has enjoyed solid preparation, featuring in the SPAR National Championships, gaining valuable experience in the Telkom Netball League, and training alongside the senior Proteas. Earlier this year, they also impressed with a clean sweep against Jamaica’s under-21s in a three-match away series.
Acting Netball South Africa president, Mami Diale, highlighted the importance of the tournament but stressed encouragement over pressure. “Of course, there are expectations; finishing in the top four would be great, and a podium finish even better. But we’re focusing on supporting the players and working together to achieve that,” she said.
Head coach Precious Mthembu, assisted by former Protea Phumza Maweni, believes the players are fully prepared. “As ex-players, we want them to understand how big this opportunity is. The team is ready, we want to perform well in our pool, and I believe our hard work will pay off,” Mthembu noted.
The Baby Proteas also have the backing of their sponsors. SPAR’s PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager, Mpudi Maubane, said the team represents the dreams of many young girls across the country. “You are going out there to enjoy yourselves and represent the whole nation, but remember that back home, there’s a young girl passionate about netball who sees you as her inspiration,” she said. “From the SPAR Group, our message is clear: young girls, chase your dreams, because anything is possible when you believe.”
The Baby Proteas have been drawn in Pool D alongside Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Malawi, and Fiji. They will open their campaign against Barbados on 20 September.
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