They did it! The South African junior men’s and women’s hockey teams currently in Egypt for the Junior Africa Cup have each won their final matches and will be bringing home double gold!
South Africa (17 March 2023) – The South African Men’s and Women’s Junior Hockey sides are currently in Egypt having recently participated in the Junior Africa Cup. They had both just qualified for the world cup which is set to take place in December this year and will now be bringing home double gold.
The junior men qualified for the world cup after successfully beating their opponent, team Kenya. The victory secured their place in the Africa Cup final against Egypt which they have since won. Similarly, the junior women also qualified for the world cup before entering their winning final against Zimbabwe.
Both teams have flown the South African flag high and are now the Champions of Africa!
The women’s team won 1 – 0 against Zimbabwe and it is said, the game was an intense one with either side fighting for the ball and protecting the goals. In the end, teamwork won it for South Africa.
“But eventually the telling blow was landed by the South Africans. A world class press from Tamlyn Kock forced the turnover and her shot was superbly guided home by Jesquinique Coltman. That would prove to be the only goal of the game as a nervy ending couldnt stop the South Africans from claiming the title as best Junior African Womens team for the 7th time in a row.” – The South African Hockey Association
For the men, it was a little different. They were coming up against Egypt, a team that has beaten them in the past. The goal for South Africa, was to change the loss they had felt during the championship against Egypt in 2016.
Both teams arrived at the field to win it and the match was one of challenge and determination by both sides. They played to the end of time, tied for the win. This meant a sudden death shootout of five. The first team to take the lead, wins the title.
“After both teams scored three from their five shootouts it went to sudden death. Hans Neethling, who had scored in the initial shootout stood up again and fired it home to give South Africa a 4-3 lead. Reece Govender had the opportunity to win the title for South Africa with a save, which he never had to make. He forced the striker out wide who then shot wide of the goal to seal a title for the Southern Africans and a first double in almost 10 years.” – The South African Hockey Association.
A hearty congratulations to both teams, you have made your country proud and we cannot wait to see as you progress to the world cup.
Should you have any interest in South African hockey, you can follow the association on Facebook or via the website for updates on the teams as they all highlight the exciting sporting code.
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