The South African Women began their final preparations ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup with victory in the opening Test against Namibia.
Photo: ACK Sports Photography
South Africa will face England, China and India at the World Cup, with the four-match series against Namibia offering the team an important opportunity to fine-tune their combinations and finalise their squad.
The match also marked a special milestone for Ntsopa Mokoena, who earned her 50th international cap.
South Africa started brightly but initially struggled to turn their possession into clear goal-scoring opportunities. They eventually found the breakthrough through Kayla de Waal, who turned sharply before firing a low strike past Petro Stoffberg at the near post.
The hosts doubled their advantage from a penalty corner in the second quarter. Hannah Pearce stepped forward and powered a drag flick beyond Stoffberg for her sixth international goal.
Namibia improved as the quarter progressed, disrupting South Africa’s rhythm and limiting the number of clear chances created by the home side. South Africa nevertheless carried a two-goal advantage into the half-time break.
Pearce added her second of the match in the third quarter, finding space during the second phase of a penalty corner and guiding the ball into the far corner.
Mokoena then capped her milestone appearance with her 12th international goal, finishing off an excellent piece of work from Thati Zulu down the right-hand side. Mokoena was later named Player of the Match.
South Africa continued to create a number of dangerous circle entries but will feel that greater consistency and quality in front of goal will be required as the series progresses.
It was nevertheless a positive opening victory for South Africa, who maintained their unbeaten international record against Namibia.
The second Test of the series takes place on Tuesday at 17:00 at Elkanah House High School.
