In July 2025, Netball South Africa officially announced their Under 21 (U21) netball team – also referred to as the SPAR Baby Proteas. Amongst the mix of dedicated players, three proud Maties made the final cut; Zahrah Noah, Renezia Andrews and Lisa Ingwersen.
The official announcement came from Acting President, Mami Diale, who highlighted the team’s past successes. Diale shared how the team would be preparing for the upcoming 2025 Netball World Youth Cup which would take place in Gibraltar, from 19 to 28 September. According to the official Netball SA website, the search for the Baby Proteas Squad began three years ago. Players had to showcase their dedication and teamwork – ensuring that they would have an upper hand in competitions to come.
Zahrah Noah gave Die Matie some insight into her experience – from daily training to finally receiving the all-too-welcome news that she had been selected. “I was honoured to have made the team,” she said, “and all I could think about was the important people in my life that helped me reach this level of success and it was a realisation that my journey had just begun, and all that was left was for me to play my part.” It was this final realisation which made the moments of self-doubt, hard training, and sacrifice all worth it.
Honouring her family – her parents and sister – Noah notes how their own signs of dedication and humility motivated her to follow in their footsteps. Her encouragement for others pursuing the same route is to never give up. Ultimately, it is a dream worth pursuing, but it is not without its challenges. Another lesson we can all learn from her is to rely on one’s support system. The battles we face are often halved when the right people are by our sides.
The selection of Noah, Andrews, and Ingwersen to the SPAR Baby Proteas is not just a personal victory for each athlete, but also a reflection of the strength and depth of Maties netball talent. Their journey highlights the value of perseverance, support, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
By Anica Hattingh
