The SPAR Baby Proteas etched their names into the history books as they beat the Cook Islands 79–45 to book a place in the semi-finals for the very first time. This victory for Coach Precious Mthembu and her team gives them the opportunity to compete for a podium finish.
South Africa’s quest for a medal continued as they faced the Cook Islands in the quarter final. The SPAR Baby Proteas had finished first in their pool, while the Cook Islands secured second place.
The Cook Islands were quick off the mark and looked to catch South Africa off guard – a plan that worked briefly. However, the Baby Proteas responded with speed and soon found their rhythm. By the end of the first quarter, South Africa led 18–13.
In the second quarter, they began to pull away. South Africa carried their momentum, piling pressure on the Cook Islands to go into half-time with a 38–21 lead.
At the start of the championship quarter, the SPAR Baby Proteas made a couple of changes, and the fresh legs paid off as they added 17 goals to the Cook Islands’ 14.
The Baby Proteas were well on course to break new ground – their best previous finish at this tournament had been fifth place. After 45 minutes, South Africa was cruising at 55–35.
The Cook Islands fought valiantly, but it wasn’t enough to deny South Africa their place in history. At full time, the SPAR Baby Proteas sealed their semi-final spot with a 79–45 win and will now face four-time world champions and current silver medallists Australia on Friday, 26 September.
“I am incredibly proud of the girls; I am actually tearing up. This is history in the making because we have finally secured a quarter final victory and booked a semi-final spot, this has never happened before. The girls believed in each other, supported one another and this is unbelievable. This win is testament to the discipline, hard work, and determination by the girls throughout the journey. We now need to shift focus to tomorrow’s game against Australia,” said an emotional SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach Precious Mthembu.
Quarter Score Breakdown:
Q1 – SPAR Baby Proteas 18 – 13 Cook Islands
Q2 – SPAR Baby Proteas 38 – 21 Cook Islands
Q3 – SPAR Baby Proteas 55 – 35 Cook Islands
Q4 – SPAR Baby Proteas 79 – 45 Cook Islands
SPAR Baby Proteas Starting XII
GS -Bianca Lubbe; GA – Luane Smith; WA – Renezia Andrews; C- Kyla Dames; WD – Phophi Nematangari ( C ); GD –Kiara van Eeden; GK – Ametisse Bandu
Photo Credit: World Netball
