The Spar Baby Proteas kickstarted their 2025 Netball World Youth Cup with a 102-27 win over Barbados at the Tercentury Sports Hall & Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, Europe, on Saturday, 20 September, 2025.
“What a great performance tonight that was displayed by our players. I am thoroughly impressed by the players’ energy, they were so focused, and the team worked.”
Baby Proteas Head Coach, Precious Mthembu
South Africa had made last-minute changes to their team just a few hours before the match, with Jade Atkins withdrawn from the team due to an injury and replaced by Renezia Andrews, but still came into this match as firm favourites based on the history between the two nations – however, it was Barbados who got off the mark first, taking the lead from the centre pass.
South Africa were very quick to respond and took charge of the match, the attacking duo of Prinsloo and Smith seems to have been wonder as the first quarter ended 25-7.
Coach Precious Mthembu kept the same team coming into the second quarter, and they continued where they left off in the first fifteen minutes of the match. They took the game to Barbados a lot more and continued suffocating the middle of the court, which made it difficult for Barbados to stretch South Africa and play.
Mthembu made a change midway through the second quarter, with Renezia Andrews coming in for Luané Smith. At the end of the quarter, it was the Baby Proteas who were leading 29-8, taking the overall score to 54-15.
With the start of the Championship quarter, coach Mthembu made two changes and brought in some fresh legs on court. Nematangari was very crucial in the Wing Defence role, winning almost every single intercept, she was marshalling the defence like a true lieutenant.
South Africa was very tight at the back, restricting Barbados to scoring only six goals, while on the other end, they netted 34. At the end of the quarter, it was the South Africans who were leading 77-21.
“I think we executed our game plan very well, especially offensively – we shared the ball very nicely, and everyone on court was able to contribute,” said Mthembu.
“It is games like these that remind one of how and why discipline is important. The score did not alter our discipline.”
South Africa’s next match will be up against Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, 22 September 2025, at 10:00.
Pool D Fixtures and Results at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup
Sat 20 Sept: South Africa 102-27 Barbados
Mon 22 Sept – 10h00: South Africa vs Trinidad & Tobago
Tue 23 Sept – 17h00: South Africa vs Malawi
Wed 25 Sept – 19h00: South Africa vs Fiji
South Africa 102-27 Barbados Quarter Score Breakdown
Q1 – South Africa 25-7 Barbados
Q2 – South Africa 54-15 Barbados
Q3 – South Africa 77-21 Barbados
Q4 – South Africa 102-27 Barbados
South Africa Starting XII
GS – Giada Prinsloo
GA – Luané Smith
WA – Karla Victor (v/c)
C – Kyla Dames
WD – Phophi Nematangari (c)
GD – Luca Keun
GK – Ametisse Bandu
Substitutes
Renezia Andrews
Mbali Diphoko
Bianca Lubbe
Zahrah Noah
Kiara van Eeden
Original Copy: Netball South Africa, with editing by gsports
Main Photo Caption: The Baby Proteas kickstarted their 2025 Netball World Youth Cup with a 102-27 win over Barbados at the Tercentury Sports Hall & Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, Europe, on Saturday, 20 September, 2025. All Photos: World Netball and Netball World Cup
Photo 2 Caption: Head Coach Patience Mthembu was impressed: “I think we executed our game plan very well, especially offensively.”
Photo 3 Caption: South Africa’s second match will be up against Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, at 10:00am (CAT).
