Gibraltar – The SPAR Baby Proteas kickstarted their 2025 Netball World Youth Cup campaign with an emphatic 102-27 win against Barbados in Gibraltar.
South Africa’s brilliant display against the islanders on Saturday, 20 September 2025, who they have faced and beaten twice, sent a strong signal to their competitors that they mean serious business going forward.
Barbados is playing in its sixth Netball World Youth Cup while South Africa is competing in the global showpiece for the 7th time.
The SPAR Baby Proteas came into the match as firm favourites based on the history between the two nations; however, it was Barbados who got off the mark first, taking the lead from the centre pass.
South Africa was very quick to respond and took charge of the opening quarter.
The attacking duo of Prinsloo and Smith worked wonders with South Africa taking the first quarter 25 – 7.
South African Head Coach Precious Mthembu kept the same team coming into the second quarter, and they continued where they left off.
In the first fifteen minutes of the match, the South African’s took the game to Barbados a lot more and continued suffocating the middle of the court, which made it difficult for Barbados to stretch South Africa and play.
Mthembu made a change midway through the second quarter with Renezia Andrews coming in for Luane Smith.
At the end of the quarter, it was the SPAR Baby Proteas who were leading 29 – 8, taking the overall score to 54 -15.
South Africa had made last-minute changes to their team just a few hours before the match, with Jade Atkins withdrawn from the team due to an injury and replaced by Renezia Andrews.
At the start of the third quarter, coach Mthembu made two changes and brought in some fresh legs on court.
Nematangari was very crucial in the Wing Defence role, winning almost every intercept and marshalling the defence like a true lieutenant.
South Africa was very tight at the back and restricted Barbados to scoring only six goals, while on the other end, the SPAR Baby Proteas netted 34.
At the end of the quarter, it was the SPAR Baby Proteas who were leading 77 -21.
SPAR Baby Proteas remained dominant in the final quarter, recording their 31st win of the Netball World Youth Cup by winning the match 102 – 27.
This is the highest score that the SPAR Baby Proteas recorded against Barbados in the history of the two teams.
“What a great performance tonight that was displayed by our players,” said the elated SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach, President Mthembu.
“I am thoroughly impressed by players energy, they were so focused, the team worked.
“I think we executed our game plan very well especially offensively – we shared the ball very nicely and everyone on court was able to contribute.
“It is games like these that remind one of how and why discipline is important. The score did not alter our discipline.”
South Africa’s next match will be against Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, 22 September 2025 at 10:00.
Quarter Score Breakdown:
Q1 – SPAR Baby Proteas 25 – 07 Barbados
Q2 – SPAR Baby Proteas 54 – 15 Barbados
Q3 – SPAR Baby Proteas 77 – 21 Barbados
Q4 – SPAR Baby Proteas 102 – 27 Barbados
SPAR Baby Proteas Starting XII
GS – Giada Prinsloo; GA – Luane Smith; WA – Karla Victor; C- Kyla Dames; WD – Phophi Nematangari ( C ); GD – Luca Keun; GK – Ametisse Bandu
*The 2025 Netball World Youth Cup can be watched free live & on demand on Livestream on Netball Pass and available through the World Netball World Cup YouTube channel.
