The SPAR Baby Proteas continued their winning streak at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup with a resounding 86–35 victory over Fiji in their final group match. This was the fourth meeting between the two nations, with South Africa yet to taste defeat in the fixture.
Head coach Precious Mthembu made changes to her starting seven, giving opportunities to players who had not featured in the opening three matches. As expected, South Africa struck first, immediately putting Fiji on the back foot with their fast-paced game. By the end of the first quarter, the Baby Proteas held a commanding 23–5 lead.
The second quarter saw the tempo slow, but South Africa still dominated, restricting Fiji to just seven goals while adding 21 of their own. In the championship quarter, the Baby Proteas pressed home their advantage, applying relentless pressure and forcing errors from Fiji to take a 67–22 lead into the final break.
The Baby Proteas then closed out the match in style, cruising to an 86–35 victory to secure their place in the quarter-finals. South Africa will now face the Cook Islands, runners-up in Pool A, with the game scheduled for 19:00 CAT. Fans can watch the match live on Netball Pass.
South Africa’s best-ever finish at a Netball World Youth Cup is fifth, and Mthembu and her charges have their sights firmly set on improving that record in Gibraltar.
“I am very pleased with the team’s performance today and with getting a win against strong opposition like Fiji. The result sets us up nicely for our quarter-final match against the Cook Islands. Fortunately, we had a practice game against them when we arrived, so we have a better understanding of what to expect tomorrow,” said a delighted SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach, Precious Mthembu.
Quarter Score Breakdown:Q1 – SPAR Baby Proteas 23 – 05 Fiji
Q2 – SPAR Baby Proteas 44 – 12 Fiji
Q3 – SPAR Baby Proteas 67 – 22 Fiji
Q4 – SPAR Baby Proteas 86 – 35 Fiji
SPAR Baby Proteas Starting VII
GS -Mbali Diphoko; GA – Giada Prinsloo; WA – Renezia Andrews; C- Karla Victor; WD – Zahrah Noah; GD –Kiara van Eeden; GK – Luca Keun
Photo Credit: World Netball
