Phophi Nematangari, an U/21 netballer from Duthuni currently studying at the University of Pretoria, played a key role in the SPAR Baby Proteas' historic performance at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar (19-28 September). South Africa achieved fourth place — the highest finish in the tournament's history.
Nematangari, who began playing netball early in life, captained the Baby Proteas in the tournament. Before Gibraltar, she toured with the side to Lesotho and Malawi in 2021 and 2022, winning gold medals. Earlier this year, she was part of the squad that faced Jamaica's U/21s in a preparation series.
For Nematangari, sport is about more than medals. It has taught her strength and self-belief, especially as a young woman balancing sport and education. After matriculating with high marks, she chose to attend university while continuing to compete.
She offers advice to young people: stay focused on your goals. "Even if your talent is not in sport, engaging in sport and travelling will expose you to the outside world," she says.