Netball World Youth Cup 2025: SPAR Baby Proteas Celebrate Victory Against Cook Islands
Gibraltar – The SPAR Baby Proteas made history by triumphing over the Cook Islands with a score of 79-45 during the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup held in Gibraltar.
This victory on Thursday, 25 September 2025, has awarded South Africa its inaugural place in the semi-finals.
Head Coach Precious Mthembu and her team now set their sights on achieving a podium finish.
The Cook Islands came out strong, trying to surprise South Africa – a strategy that worked temporarily; however, the SPAR Baby Proteas swiftly regrouped, found their rhythm, and settled into the match.
By the end of the first quarter, the SPAR Baby Proteas led by five points, finishing the quarter at 18 – 13.
In the second quarter, South Africa gradually extended their lead, applying pressure on the Cook Islands and heading into halftime with a score of 38 – 21.
In the championship quarter, the SPAR Proteas executed strategic substitutions, which paid off, allowing South Africa to net 17 goals compared to the Cook Islands’ 14.
With this performance, the SPAR Baby Proteas were on track to make history, having never secured a position higher than fifth in this tournament, and realized that a win on Thursday would propel them into the top four.
After 45 minutes of intense play, the SPAR Baby Proteas enjoyed a comfortable lead, entering the final quarter with a score of 55 – 45.
The Cook Islands continued to resist valiantly, but their efforts were not enough to stop the SPAR Baby Proteas from clinching a spot in their first Netball World Youth Cup semi-final.
With the match concluding at 79 – 45, South Africa achieved their place in the last four and will face the four-time world champions and current silver medallists Australia on Friday, 26 September 2025.
“I am incredibly proud of the girls; I’m actually tearing up,” stated an emotional SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach Precious Mthembu.
“This is a historic moment as we have finally attained a quarter-final victory and secured a semi-final spot, something that has never occurred before.
“The girls truly believed in one another and provided unwavering support, which is extraordinary.
“This win highlights the discipline, dedication, and perseverance of the girls throughout this journey.
“Now, we must focus our attention on tomorrow’s match against Australia,” emphasized Coach 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