The U17 Reds Netball team from Redhill School have placed South Africa firmly on the global schools sport map, clinching gold in the Under-17 age group division at the World Schools Games Netball Championship, on their debut appearance in the tournament, on 28 June 2025.
The team travelled to Loughborough, England, where they competed against top-tier international schools over three intense days of competition. In a thrilling U17 final, Redhill overcame Sedbergh School from North West England to claim top honours.
Asi Mthethwa, a standout performer throughout the tournament, was named the commentator’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the final. Reflecting on the experience, she shared:
“This is my first time coming to the UK to play. We’ve met so many wonderful teams and players, we’ve learned lessons that are irreplaceable,” said Mthethwa.
“It’s been such an exciting experience for me, my friends, our netball team, and for Redhill in general.”
2025 World Schools Games Netball Championship MVP, Asi Mthethwa
The 2025 edition of the World Schools Netball Cup saw 380 players across 46 teams representing 29 schools from four continents. This year marked the debut of both Jamaica and South Africa in the competition, and Redhill made sure South Africa’s presence was felt in emphatic style.
In her post-match interview, Mthethwa added:
“It’s so exciting that WSG saw us as a team worthy of the invitation. We’ve hopefully opened the door for future age groups to experience international netball. Playing against Scottish, Jamaican, and English schools has been so inspiring.”
Hosted once again at the prestigious Loughborough University, widely regarded as the home of English Netball and one of the top sports universities in the world, the tournament offered a world-class platform for the next generation of netball talent.
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Redhill School’s Executive Head, Joseph Gerassi, paid heartfelt tribute to the team, stating:
“After representing both South Africa and Redhill on the international stage, these phenomenal young athletes return home not only with a trophy but with the hearts of our school community bursting with pride.
“Their journey has been marked by discipline, teamwork, resilience, and passion. You’ve made history and inspired us all. Your Redhill family is standing tall behind you, cheering you on louder than ever. Well done, Reds, the future of Redhill Netball has never looked brighter.”
Main Photo Caption: The U17 Reds Netball team from Redhill School have placed South Africa firmly on the global schools sport map, clinching gold in the Under-17 age group division at the World Schools Games Netball Championship in England, on 28 June 2025. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: In her post-match interview, tournament MVP Asi Mthethwa said: “It’s so exciting that WSG saw us as a team worthy of the invitation. We’ve hopefully opened the door for future age groups to experience international netball.”
Photo 3 Caption: This was South Africa’s debut participation in the tournament, and the Reds beat the world’s best for the U17 crown at the prestigious Loughborough University in England.
