South Africa’s Baby Proteas Aim For Glory At Netball World Youth Cup

South Africa’s Baby Proteas are heading to Gibraltar with confidence and national pride as they prepare to compete in the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup.

A Minister’s Send-Off

The team received an official farewell from Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, who used the moment to highlight how important the youth squad is for the future of netball in South Africa.
During the send-off, McKenzie unveiled two refurbished netball courts at Mid Ennerdale Primary School, underscoring government’s push to strengthen grassroots sport.

“These players are a vital stepping stone for the senior Proteas. They’ve consistently qualified for the World Youth Cup and continue to inspire with their unbeaten runs. We believe in them,” McKenzie said.

Building Momentum In Europe

Before settling into Gibraltar, the squad sharpened their skills with warm-up matches in London, facing Hertfordshire University and England’s U21 side. The team is led by head coach Precious Mthembu, with former Protea star Phumza Maweni bringing her experience to the bench as assistant coach.

Pool D Challenges Ahead

The Baby Proteas have been drawn in Pool D, where they’ll face Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Malawi, and Fiji. Their first test is against Barbados on Saturday, 20 September.

Fixtures:

• 20 September – South Africa v Barbados – 19:00

• 22 September – Trinidad & Tobago v South Africa – 10:00

• 23 September – Malawi v South Africa – 17:00

• 24 September – Fiji v South Africa – 19:00

The medal stage matches will take place from 26 to 28 September.

How To Watch And Support

Fans back home can catch all the group stage action for free on NetballPass and YouTube, while the medal rounds will stream exclusively on NetballPass.

On social media, supporters are already rallying behind the Baby Proteas with hashtags like #WeAreProteas and #BabyProteasOnTheRise, reflecting the growing excitement around netball in South Africa.

Netball’s Rising Wave

This tournament comes at a time when netball in South Africa is enjoying unprecedented attention. From the senior Proteas’ World Cup performances to the rise of young talent, the sport is steadily breaking into the country’s mainstream. The Baby Proteas’ mission in Gibraltar is more than just about medals; it’s a symbol of the sport’s growth and the promise of an even brighter future.

{Source:The South African}

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