Pretoria – Netball South Africa has announced the under-21 national squad, the SPAR Baby Proteas, for the upcoming 2025 Netball Youth World Cup.
The tournament will take place in Gibraltar from September 19 to 28, 2025.
The announcement was made by Acting President Mami Diale, highlighting the team’s preparations and previous successes leading up to this prestigious event.
The Baby Proteas, led by coach Precious Mthembu, have shown strong performance in recent competitions, including a flawless record in the Africa World Youth Cup qualifiers and a dominant international series against Jamaica’s Under-21 team.
The squad was narrowed down from a larger pool of players through evaluations in various tournaments, including the Telkom Netball League (TNL).
The SPAR Group congratulated the selected players and coaching staff.
“The Baby Proteas are key to NSA’s development programme for the future national team, a cause that SPAR is proud to support,” said Mpudi Maubane, SPAR’s National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager.
“We wish players and leadership team all the very best as they take on the world.
“Play with confidence, believe in yourselves, and do your team and country proud.
“SPAR appreciates all the hard work you have put into preparing for the World Youth Cup.
“We encourage you to stay focused and let your inner champion shine. “
In Pool D, South Africa will face tough competition from Barbados, Malawi, Fiji & Trinidad, and Tobago.
The selection process, which began three years ago, aimed to find players who exemplified dedication and teamwork, ensuring a competitive edge in the tournament.
Support for the team extends beyond the sport itself, with Renault providing a vehicle for coach Mthembu as part of their commitment to supporting netball in South Africa.
Renault South Africa CEO, Shumani Tshifularo, said: “As Renault, we feel privileged to be able to support the growth of netball in SA, in partnership with NSA. We wish Precious Mthembu safe travels in her Renault Captur”.
The selected squad comprises 15 promising players, including captain Phophi Nematangari, and aims to continue South Africa’s legacy in netball on the world stage.
SPAR Baby Proteas Under-21 Squad:
- Jade Atkins,
- Renezia Andrews,
- Ametise Bandu,
- Kyla Dames,
- Mbali Diphoko,
- Lisa Ingwersen,
- Luca Keun,
- Bianca Lubbe,
- Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa,
- Phophi Nematangari (captain),
- Zahrah Noah,
- Giada Prinsloo,
- Luane Smith,
- Karla Victor, and
- Kiara Van Eeden.
