South Africa is a vibrant and diverse nation known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and deep passion for sport. From the iconic Table Mountain to Kruger National Park, the country offers a unique blend of natural beauty and dynamic city life. As a sporting powerhouse, South Africa takes pride in its competitive spirit, with netball playing a crucial role in uniting communities and inspiring young athletes.

Participation in Past Tournaments & Quick Facts

Since South Africa’s readmission to international sport, the SPAR Baby Proteas have been strong competitors in the Netball World Youth Cup, consistently developing future netball stars.
• 1996 – Finished 6th in their debut tournament in Toronto, Canada, under former coach Louise Du Plessis.
• 2000 – Finished 5th under former coach Sue Schooling and former assistant coach Dudu Msane. The current Fast5 coach and Telkom Netball League 2024 champion, Martha Mosoahle, played in this tournament alongside players including Danlee Booysen and Simnikiwe Mdaka in Cardiff, Wales.
• 2005 – Finished 5th under former coach Carin Strauss and former assistant coach Hazel Gumede. Claudia Basson scored the most goals in the competition, averaging 87% accuracy. Zanele Mdodana, current SPAR Proteas assistant coach and former senior Proteas captain, as well as the current SPAR Baby Proteas coach, Precious Mthembu, also played in this tournament, hosted in Fort Lauderdale, USA.
• 2009 – Finished 7th under coach Dudu Msane and the late former assistant coach Joey Schoeman, with specialist coach Louise Du Plessis. Former SPAR Proteas captain Bongi Msomi led the U21 side as captain in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
• 2013 – Finished 5th under coach Dorette Badenhorst and assistant coach Charlotte Scholtz. Recorded the highest full-time score at the tournament, defeating Israel 134-4 in Glasgow, Scotland.
• 2017 – Finished 6th under former coach Dorette Badenhorst and former Proteas assistant coach Dumisane Chauke. Current SPAR Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane led the SPAR Baby Proteas at the event in Gaborone, Botswana.
• 2025 (Upcoming) – South Africa’s U21 team, the SPAR Baby Proteas, dominated the Netball World Youth Cup Gibraltar 2025 Qualifier Africa, going undefeated. They also maintained a perfect record against Jamaica’s U21 Sunshine Girls at the January Sunshine Series in Kingston, Jamaica.

Other Quick Facts

• The U/19 National Netball Championships serve as a feeder system for the SPAR Baby Proteas.
• The SPAR Baby Proteas act as a pathway to the senior SPAR Proteas team.
• Some of South Africa’s current senior netball stars—such as Sanmarie Visser, Syntiche Kabuya, Elmerè van der Berg, Refiloe Nketsa, Nicola Smith, Boitumelo Mahloko, Rolene Streutker, Jamie van Wyk, Ine-Marí Venter, Jeanté Strydom, Kamogelo Maseko, and Khanyisa Chawane—have progressed through this system.
• Netball is one of the most widely played sports in South Africa, with strong school, university, club, district, and provincial structures.
• South Africa participated in the inaugural Quad Series, competing against top-ranked teams including Australia, New Zealand, and England.
• South Africa hosted the Netball World Cup 2023 Regional Qualifier Africa in August 2022 in Pretoria, securing victory against Malawi in the final. Uganda did not participate.
• South Africa competed at the Commonwealth Games, maintaining their 5th place world ranking.
• South Africa hosted the Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town, further elevating the sport in the country.