The SPAR Baby Proteas stormed into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup with an emphatic 86–35 victory over Fiji in their final group-stage clash on Wednesday. The result extended South Africa’s unbeaten run at the tournament and reaffirmed their dominance over Fiji, whom they have never lost to in four meetings.
Head coach Precious Mthembu made several changes to her starting seven, rotating her squad after a strong opening three matches. Despite the adjustments, South Africa showed no signs of slowing down, racing to a commanding 23–5 lead at the end of the first quarter with their trademark high-tempo game.
The Proteas eased the pace slightly in the second quarter but remained clinical, containing Fiji’s attack and restricting them to just seven goals while adding 21 of their own to hold a 44–12 advantage at halftime.
The so-called “championship quarter” once again belonged to Mthembu’s side, who maintained relentless defensive pressure and swift transitions into attack. By the final break, the Proteas had stretched their lead to 67–22, putting the contest well beyond reach.
South Africa closed out the fixture in style, cruising to an 86–35 victory to seal their place in the last eight. They will now face Cook Islands — runners-up in Pool A — in Thursday’s quarterfinal at 19:00 CAT, streamed live on Netball Pass and the NWYC YouTube channel.
For Mthembu, the performance was as much about momentum as the scoreboard.
“I am very pleased with the team’s performance today and getting a win against a strong opposition like Fiji,” said the head coach. “The result sets us up nicely for the quarterfinal against Cook Islands. Fortunately, we had a practice match against them when we arrived here, so we have a better understanding of what to expect tomorrow.”
South Africa’s best-ever finish at the Netball World Youth Cup is fifth, but with four consecutive wins and growing confidence, this year’s squad has their sights firmly set on surpassing that milestone.
Quarter Scores
- Q1: SPAR Baby Proteas 23–5 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 Seven
- GS – Mbali Diphoko
- GA – Giada Prinsloo
- WA – Renezia Andrews
- C – Karla Victor (C)
- WD – Zahrah Noah (C)
- GD – Kiara van Eeden
- GK – Luca Keun
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