The SPAR Baby Proteas continued on their upward trajectory and winning streak as they thrashed Trinidad and Tobago 105 – 15 in their second group match at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
Coach Precious Mthembu made one change in her defensive circle from the team that played the opening match just three days ago. The SPAR Baby Proteas came into this match against Trinidad and Tobago exceedingly high in confidence following their opening match win.
Mthembu’s charges did not look like a team that was about to slow down as they started like a house on fire – they displayed sheer dominance in the first quarter, piling pressure on Trinidad and Tobago, restricting them to scoring only three goals against South Africa’s 26 after 15 minutes.
With the SPAR Baby Proteas in full control in the second quarter, Coach Mthembu made wholesome changes to the team and brought some fresh pair of legs into the game. SPAR Baby Proteas defensive circle was tight that they only conceded four goals while on the opposite side, the attacking was very ruthless with their scoring. At the end of the first half, South Africa enjoyed a 50 – 07 lead.
South Africa tightened their defence and made sure that their opponents do not score a single goal in the third goal and they put 27 past them. At the end of the match, it was the SPAR Baby Proteas who finished the match victorious with 105 – 15 recorded on the board. This is their second match where they win with more than 100 goals.
“I am really proud of the team; they really showed character. They were very consistent, defensively we held Trinidad under 20 goals. Our aim was not to score 100 goals; we were all about winning and what you saw on the board today took care of itself. While the confidence is high, we need to make sure that we maintain this level and be humbled in the process. I think here and there we had moments of relapse, and any strong opponent would punish us. These are some of the things we need to continue working on,” reflects SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach Precious Mthembu.
South Africa’s next match will be up against fellow African country Malawi on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 at 17:00. The 2025 Netball World Youth Cup can be watched free live & on demand on Livestream on Netball Pass and also available through the World Netball World Cup YouTube channel.
Quarter Score Breakdown:
Q1 – SPAR Baby Proteas 26 – 03 Trinidad and Tobago
Q2 – SPAR Baby Proteas 50 – 07 Trinidad and Tobago
Q3 – SPAR Baby Proteas 77 – 07 Trinidad and Tobago
Q4 – SPAR Baby Proteas 105 – 15 Trinidad and Tobago
SPAR Baby Proteas Starting VII
GS – Giada Prinsloo; GA – Luane Smith; WA – Karla Victor; C- Kyla Dames; WD – Phophi Nematangari ( C ); GK – Luca Keun; GD – Zahrah Noah
Photo Credit: Netball World Cup
