The Baby Proteas earned South Africa a first ever semi-final spot at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar by beating the Cook Islands 79-45. They will now face off against four-time world champions Australia.
Cook Islands were quick to get off the mark hoping to catch South Africa off guard – this plan seemed to work temporarily however the Baby Proteas recovered with speed, settled and found their feet. At the end of the opening quarter, the Baby Proteas were 18-13 up.
In the second quarter, South Africa steadily pulled away from their opponents, putting pressure on Cook Islands going into the half time break leading 38-21.
The Baby Proteas were well on track to creating history – the team had never finished anywhere higher than fifth in this tournament – and knew a win would put them into the tournament’s top four.
They were cruising and went into the final quarter leading 55-45. Cook Islands continued to put up a solid fight, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Baby Proteas who pulled away to a 79-45 win.
“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. The girls believed in each other, supported one another and this is unbelievable. This win is 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,” said coach Precious Mthembu.
