The Spar Baby Proteas have etched their names into the history books, beating the Cook Islands 79–45 to book a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, at the Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, Europe, on Thursday, 25 September 2025.
This victory gives Coach Precious Mthembu and her team an opportunity to compete for a podium finish, a significant mark of distinction for the South African youth team.
“I am incredibly proud of the girls, I am actually tearing up. This is history in the making, because we have finally secured a quarter-final victory and booked a semi-final spot – This has never happened before!”
Spar Baby Proteas Head Coach, Precious Mthembu
The Baby Proteas had finished first in their pool, while the Cook Islands secured second place, strengthening South Africa’s quest for a medal in the quarter-final.
The Cook Islands were quick off the mark and looked to catch South Africa off guard – a plan that worked briefly. However, the Baby Proteas responded with speed and soon found their rhythm. By the end of the first quarter, South Africa led 18–13.
In the second quarter, they began to pull away, eking out a slim advantage to pile pressure on the Cook Islands to go into half-time with a 38– 21 lead.
At the start of the championship quarter, the Baby Proteas made a couple of changes and the fresh legs paid off, as they added 17 goals to the Cook Islands’ 14.
The Baby Proteas were well on course to break new ground – their best previous finish at this tournament had been fifth place. After 45 minutes, South Africa were cruising at 55–35.
The Cook Islands fought valiantly, but it wasn’t enough to deny South Africa their place in history. At full time, the Baby Proteas sealed their semi-final spot with a 79–45 win and will now face four-time world champions and current silver medalists, Australia, early Friday evening.
“The girls believed in each other, supported one another, and this is unbelievable,” said Mthembu. “This win is a 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.”
Semi-Final Fixtures at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup on Friday, 26 September, 2025
17:00 – England vs New Zealand (Europa Sports Complex)
19:00 – Australia vs South Africa (Europa Sports Complex)
Quarter-Final Results on Friday, 26 September, 2025
New Zealand 67-34 Malawi
Scotland 33-64 England
Cook Islands 45-79 South Africa
Australia 85 – 33 Jamaica
South Africa 79-45 Cook Islands Quarter Score Breakdown
Q1 – South Africa 18-13 Cook Islands
Q2 – South Africa 8-21 Cook Islands
Q3 – South Africa 55-35 Cook Islands
Q4 – South Africa 79-45 Cook Islands
Pool D Results at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup
Sat 20 Sept: South Africa 102-27 Barbados
Mon 22 Sept: South Africa 105-15 Trinidad & Tobago
Tue 23 Sept: South Africa 64-33 Malawi
Wed 25 Sept: South Africa 86-35 Fiji
South Africa Starting XII vs Cook Islands
GS – Bianca Lubbe
GA – Luané Smith
WA – Renezia Andrews
C – Kyla Dames
WD – Phophi Nematangari (c)
GD – Kiara van Eeden
GK – Ametisse Bandu
Substitutes
Mbali Diphoko
Luca Keun
Zahrah Noah
Giada Prinsloo
Karla Victor (vc)
Original Copy: Netball South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Spar Baby Proteas have etched their names into the history books, beating the Cook Islands 79–45 to book a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, at the Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, Europe, on Thursday, 25 September 2025. All Photos: World Netball and Netball World Cup
Photo 2 Caption: The Baby Proteas will face four-time world champions and current silver medalists, Australia, early Friday evening.
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