Netball South Africa has announced the under-21 national squad, the Spar Baby Proteas, for the upcoming 2025 Netball Youth World Cup, taking place in Gibraltar from 19 to 28 September, in Pretoria, South Africa, on Wednesday, 23 July 2025.
The announcement was made by Acting President Mami Diale, highlighting the team’s preparations and previous successes leading up to this prestigious event.
The Baby Proteas, led by coach Precious Mthembu, have shown strong performance in recent competitions, including a flawless record in the Africa World Youth Cup qualifiers and a dominant international series against Jamaica’s Under-21 team.
The squad was narrowed down from a larger pool of players through evaluations in various tournaments, including the Telkom Netball League (TNL).
“The Baby Proteas are key to NSA’s development programme for the future national team, a cause that Spar is proud to support,” said Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager.
In Pool D, South Africa will face tough competition from Barbados, Malawi, Fiji, and Trinidad and Tobago. The selection process, which began three years ago, aimed to find players who exemplified dedication and teamwork, ensuring a competitive edge in the tournament.
Support for the team extends beyond the sport itself, with Renault providing a vehicle for coach Mthembu as part of their commitment to supporting netball in South Africa.
Renault South Africa CEO, Shumani Tshifularo, said: “As Renault, we feel privileged to be able to support the growth of netball in SA, in partnership with NSA. We wish Precious Mthembu safe travels in her Renault Captur.”
The selected squad comprises 15 promising players, including captain Phophi Nematangari and aims to continue South Africa’s legacy in netball on the world stage.
The South African U-21 National Netball Squad for the 2025 Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar from 19 to 28 September, 2025
Jade Atkins
Renezia Andrews
Ametise Bandu
Kyla Dames
Mbali Diphoko
Lisa Ingwersen
Luca Keun
Bianca Lubbe
Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa
Phophi Nematangari
Zahrah Noah
Giada Prinsloo
Luane Smith
Karla Victor
Kiara van Eeden
Pool D for the 2025 Netball Youth World Cup
South Africa
Barbados
Fiji
Malawi
Trinidad and Tobago
Original Copy: Netball South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Netball South Africa has announced the Baby Proteas Under-21 national squad for the upcoming 2025 Netball Youth World Cup, taking place in Gibraltar from 19 to 28 September, in Pretoria, South Africa, on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. File Photo: Netball SA
