SPAR Baby Proteas fall short of podium despite historic World Youth Cup run
SPAR Baby Proteas Goal Defence, Luca Keun fights for the ball during the Bronze Medal match vs England at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup on Sunday evening in Gibraltar. England beat South Africa 55-35. It was the first time that the SPAR Baby Proteas had ever finished in the top four at the Netball World Youth Cup.
Image: Netball World Cup
The SPAR Baby Proteas produced their best-ever finish at a Netball World Youth Cup but narrowly missed out on a podium place after going down 55–35 to England in the bronze medal play-off on Sunday evening.
The South Africans had impressed throughout the tournament and carried the hopes of clinching their first Youth World Cup medal. However, England proved too strong in the decisive clash, punishing errors and maintaining control in key moments.
The opening quarter was tightly contested, with both sides cautious in their approach. South Africa’s coach, Precious Mthembu, introduced Renezia Andrews midway through the quarter in place of Luane Smith to inject fresh energy, but England edged ahead 9–8.
The second quarter saw England shift gears. Capitalising on South Africa’s turnovers, they opened up a commanding 25–15 half-time lead. The SPAR Baby Proteas fought back in the third quarter but could not find the accuracy needed to close the gap. England outscored them 13–10, taking a 38–25 advantage into the final stretch.
In the last quarter, fatigue became evident among the South Africans. England remained clinical, extending their lead and sealing a 20-goal victory to claim the bronze medal.
Head coach Precious Mthembu praised her team’s effort despite the disappointment: “We gave our all against England in this match; however, we failed to capitalise on our turnovers. We had so many missed opportunities, especially when the opponent was vulnerable. Fatigue played a part – you could see the tired legs and bodies on court today. No one likes to lose, but we will take this loss with the lessons that came with it. I am proud of my girls; they have done themselves and the country proud.”
Quarter scores
- Q1: SPAR Baby Proteas 08 – 09 England
- Q2: SPAR Baby Proteas 15 – 25 England
- Q3: SPAR Baby Proteas 25 – 38 England
- Q4: SPAR Baby Proteas 35 – 55 England
SPAR Baby Proteas starting XII
- GS: Giada Prinsloo
- GA: Luane Smith
- WA: Kayla Dames
- C: Karla Victor
- WD: Phophi Nematangari (C)
- GD: Luca Keun
- GK: Ametisse Bandu
Despite falling just short of a medal, the SPAR Baby Proteas leave Gibraltar with pride, having achieved South Africa’s highest-ever finish at a Netball World Youth Cup – a milestone that points to a promising future for the next generation of national players.