In the second semi-final match of the day, Australia denied the SPAR Baby Proteas the chance to reach the final of the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, winning 67–36 to book their place against New Zealand. The SPAR Baby Proteas will now face England in the bronze medal play-off on Sunday.
The Baby Proteas entered the semi-final as underdogs, despite having recorded a superior goal difference during the group stages. South Africa knew they would need to deliver their very best performance to set up a date with New Zealand in the final.
Australia, however, were determined not to surrender their opportunity to reach the final and go one better than in 2017. They were first off, the mark, applying relentless pressure on the Baby Proteas, who were forced out of their usual rhythm into long passes that favoured the Aussies. At the end of the first quarter, Australia led 19–9.
The second quarter unfolded much the same way, with Australia continuing to press hard. The Baby Proteas began to settle midway through the quarter, but it was too late to halt Australia’s momentum, as South Africa were restricted to just eight goals in reply to 15.
Coach Precious Mthembu introduced changes at the start of the championship quarter in search of a spark, but Australia proved the stronger of the two sides, extending their advantage to 48–21 after 45 minutes.
In the final quarter, Australia kept their foot on the pedal to ensure an all-
Australasian final against New Zealand. They maintained dominance, pinned the Baby Proteas in their own half, and held them to their lowest-scoring match of the tournament.
“Tough game, tough loss against Australia – we really tested ourselves and learnt a lot. This gave us an opportunity to gauge ourselves and see where we are. We just lost too many passes and transitions, when we turned the ball, we just couldn’t convert. When you make such mistakes against Australia, they will surely punish you for those errors. It became difficult for us to bounce back once we fell behind. We need to regroup and focus on the next match against England now,” said SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach, Precious Mthembu.
Quarter Score Breakdown:
Q1 – SPAR Baby Proteas 09 – 19 Australia
Q2 – SPAR Baby Proteas 17 – 34 Australia
Q3 – SPAR Baby Proteas 27 – 48 Australia
Q4 – SPAR Baby Proteas 36 – 67 Australia
SPAR Baby Proteas Starting VII
GS -Mbali Diphoko; GA – Luane Smith; WA – Karla Victor; C- Kyla Dames; WD – Phophi Nematangari ( C ); GD –Luca Keun; GK – Ametisse Bandu
Photo Credit: World Netball
