The Spar Baby Proteas have arrived in Gibraltar, and are putting the finishing touches to their preparations ahead of the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, with their first match this Saturday.
Much of the squad’s readiness comes from hard-earned experience in the Telkom Netball League (TNL), where players faced the country’s top domestic talent week in and week out. That competitive exposure has been key in building confidence and resilience for the global stage.
“We’re definitely aiming for better than the previous World Cup. We’re planning on going there and giving our best… we’re aiming for the podium. That’s the goal that we’re looking for!”
Spar Baby Proteas Captain, Phophi Nematangari.
She added: “We are very, very excited that it’s actually happening. It’s been a long journey waiting for this moment. Now that it’s happening, I still can’t wrap my head around it, but the preparations have been exceptional. We’ve been putting in the work, the seeds have been planted, now we’re just waiting to reap.”
Acting president of Netball South Africa Mami Diale said: “Obviously there is expectation… it would be good if we could be top four at least, and it will be better if we can have a podium, but we are not putting pressure, we are encouraging them and we are supporting them towards that because we have to do it together.”
Head coach Precious Mthembu, who is guiding the team alongside former Protea teammate Phumza Maweni, explained: “I think from our side, as former players, Phumza and myself, it’s our role to make the players understand the magnitude and the skill and how great this challenge is for them. We’re definitely ready. It’s our time now… we want to do well in our pool and I’m sure all the work that we’ve done will be rewarded in the end.”
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The South Africans have been drawn in Pool D and will open their campaign against Barbados on 20 September, before taking on Trinidad and Tobago (22 September), Malawi (23 September), and Fiji (24 September). The top two teams in each pool will advance to the quarterfinals.
World Netball have confirmed that fans worldwide will be able to watch every match of the NWYC2025 live and free on NetballPass and the Netball World Cup YouTube channel. Matches from 20–25 September will be available on both platforms, with the final three days (26–28 September), including the medal ceremony, streamed exclusively on NetballPass.
Spar Baby Proteas Squad
Jade Atkins
Ametisse Bandu
Kyle Dames
Mbali Diphoko
Luca Keun
Bianca Lubbe
Phophi Nematangari (c)
Zahrah Noah
Giada Prinsloo
Luane Smith
Kiara van Eeden
Karla Victor
Reserves
Renezia Andrews
Lisa Ingwersen
Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa
Team Management
Head Coach: Precious Mthembu
Assistant Coach: Phumza Maweni
Team Manager: Denise Bothma
Physiotherapist: Nontsikelelo Xaba
Sports Conditioning Coach: Collin Powell
Doctor: Lizanne Pieterse
Analyst: Anuska Theart
Main Photo Caption: Valuable experience in the Telkom Netball League has given the Spar Baby Proteas a spring in their step as they gear up to open their 2025 Netball World Youth Cup campaign. Photo: Netball SA
