Baby Proteas Shine Bright With Dominant Start At Netball World Youth Cup

South Africa’s Baby Proteas have stormed into the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar with a dream start, securing back-to-back victories that have the local netball community buzzing. Their latest triumph, a staggering 105-15 win over Trinidad and Tobago, has not only put them in the spotlight but also underlined their potential as serious title contenders.

Captain’s Calm Leadership

Captain Phophi Nematangari has been the steady voice guiding the young Proteas. Speaking after their emphatic victory, she stressed the importance of respecting every opponent and never taking the foot off the pedal.

“We executed everything, ticked all the boxes, and left it all on court. We respect every team we face, and that’s been our focus,” Nematangari explained, adding that consistency and taking it one game at a time will be key to their campaign.

A Nation Behind Them

The Baby Proteas’ dominance has not gone unnoticed. On social media, South African fans have rallied behind the team, praising their energy and discipline. “These girls are making us proud,” wrote one fan on X, while another noted how the win shows the bright future of South African netball beyond the senior Proteas.

For many, the Baby Proteas’ success is also a reminder of how far netball has come in the country, especially after the senior Proteas’ inspiring performances in recent years.

Why This Matters For SA Netball

Netball has quietly become one of South Africa’s fastest-growing sports, particularly among young women in schools and townships. The Baby Proteas’ run in Gibraltar is more than just a tournament storyit’s a reflection of the investment and passion fueling the game’s growth back home.

A century victory, like the one against Trinidad and Tobago, is rare in international netball and highlights the gap between emerging teams and established nations. But for South Africa, it’s also a warning not to get complacent. Bigger challenges lie ahead as the competition progresses.

Looking Ahead

With two wins already in the bag, the Baby Proteas are sitting comfortably in Pool D. But as Nematangari wisely noted, the journey is long, and the competition will only get tougher from here.

Still, for now, the Baby Proteas are enjoying their moment, putting South African netball in the global spotlight and inspiring young players back home to believe that they, too, can one day wear the green and gold