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Netball South Africa (NSA) acting president Mame Diale has issued a top-four mandate to the Under-21 Baby Proteas ahead of the World Youth Cup in Gibraltar from 19–20 September.
Coach Precious Mthembu, who has named a 15-member squad, has been tasked with steering the team to at least the semi-finals of the 20-nation competition.
The Baby Proteas will compete in Group D alongside Malawi, Fiji, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, with the top two in each pool advancing to the play-offs.
Diale told SABC Sport they believe in the squad’s talent and are confident of a podium finish or, at the very least, a place in the top four.
"However, a top three finish would be the best result ever for our u/21's, and we believe they can do it, given their performances in the Test Series in Jamaica, as well as their performances against our senior teams in the Telkom Netball League"
Diale, who is contesting the federation’s presidency in the upcoming elections on 25 October, says NSA has built strong structures around the Baby Proteas’ preparations and is confident they have done enough to ready the team for the global stage.
The experienced administrator confirmed to the national broadcaster that players will receive daily allowances and incentives depending on where they finish.
Diale explained that while Baby Proteas players are not on contracts or monthly salaries like the senior Proteas, their efforts at the World Cup will be rewarded.
"In terms of the team, the players will receive daily allowances
The Baby Proteas are set to depart for England tonight for a series of warm-up matches before heading to Gibraltar next week for the main tournament as part of their final preparations.
