As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of South African women’s hockey throughout 2023. The year has been outstanding for both the indoor and outdoor teams, with significant accomplishments in various international arenas.
Road to Paris 2024: Securing an Olympic Berth
Beginning with the outdoor team, they had an eventful year, highlighted by securing their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The team clinched the African qualification slot in November at the TUKS sports grounds with a stellar performance in the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 tournament. They dominated the competition, being unbeaten throughout the tournament and securing the African title and their Olympic berth by triumphing over Nigeria in a decisive 9-0 victory in the finals.
2023: A Year of Transformative International Tours
Earlier in the year, the team faced formidable opponents in several tournaments and test matches, starting with a challenging four-test series against India. Despite losing the test series 3-0, the South African team demonstrated significant improvement, concluding with a hard fought 2-2 draw in the last test.
In May, team’s resilience was further tested in a six-match tour against Chile, where they won the friendly matches 2-1, but lost the official test series 2-1. The tour of Chile, a formidable opponent ranked 14th globally and playing on their home turf, represented a significant milestone for our women’s team. The tour was not merely a step in the preparation for the Olympic qualifiers; it was and is crucial experience that will contribute substantially to the development and future robustness of the sport within South Africa. Facing such a high-ranked team provides our athletes with invaluable exposure and learning opportunities, laying a solid foundation for their growth and enhancing the overall strength and competitiveness of South African women’s sports on the international stage.
The Hello Korea series followed, providing valuable experience against teams like China, Japan and hosts Korea. In an exhilarating series of five matches, the South African women’s team showcased their burgeoning talent and determination on the international stage. This tour, their second major overseas venture for 2023, pitted them against some of the world’s top-ranked teams, providing a stern test of their skills and resilience. Facing the formidable Chinese team, ranked 10th globally, and the 11th-ranked Japanese squad, the South Africans displayed commendable effort, despite facing setbacks with a 2-0 loss to China and a 4-0 defeat against Japan.
The real highlight of the tour, however, was the thrilling trio of matches against the 12th-ranked Korean team. In these encounters, the South African ladies truly came into their own, demonstrating both skill and tenacity. The matches were tightly contested, with the first two games ending in hard-fought draws, 2-2 and 3-3, respectively. The culmination of their efforts and growth was evident in the final match, where they triumphed with a 2-0 victory over Korea. This series of games not only tested the South African team’s abilities but also underscored their potential to compete and succeed against some of the world’s best in women’s sports.
The year concluded with the South African team, currently ranked 20th, hosting Germany, the world’s 5th ranked team. The matches offered invaluable experience against top European teams, essential for the upcoming Olympic Games. South Africa losing both matches 3-1 and 2-0 respectively.
Indoor Hockey World Cup 2023: South Africa's Spirited Journey and Impressive Finish
On the indoor hockey front, The 2023 Indoor Hockey World Cup, hosted in Pretoria from 5th to 11th February, was a hallmark event, not just for the action-packed matches, but also for South Africa’s prowess in organizing major sporting events. The South African ladies’ team had a challenging start in their World Cup journey, facing initial setbacks with narrow losses to Austria (3-2) and the Netherlands (3-1), followed by a 2-2 draw against the United States.
However, the team’s resilience and fighting spirit were unmistakably displayed as they clinched victories against our Southern Hemisphere neighbours, Australia, with a tight 1-0 win, and a more decisive 6-3 triumph over New Zealand. These results propelled them into the quarterfinals with a record of two wins, two losses, and one draw. In the quarterfinals, they faced a formidable Belgian team, securing a remarkable 2-1 victory and advancing to the semifinals.
The semifinal brought another encounter with the Dutch team, where the South African ladies suffered a loss, leading them to the 3rd/4th place playoff against the Czech Republic. Despite a valiant effort, the Proteas were defeated 3-1, ultimately securing a respectable 4th place.
They lifted us, they inspired us and they ignited our pride. The bronze medal was a step too far but they finish in fourth, an incredible result for not only South African Indoor Hockey but also for African Hockey! #IHWC2023 pic.twitter.com/dvFGvCQ59q
— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) February 11, 2023
Nkosi Cup Showdown: South Africa's Display of Skill and Namibia's Unexpected Triumph
The recent Nkosi Cup, another feather in South Africa’s cap for successfully hosting indoor sporting events, took place at the Wynberg Military Sports Stadium in Cape Town. The South African team showcased remarkable prowess during the group stages, demonstrating their skill and team coordination by winning all four of their matches, where each team faced off against the others twice.
However, the final presented an unexpected twist. In a gripping showdown, South Africa faced a determined and resilient Namibian team, who entered the final as underdogs. Despite a valiant effort from the South African squad, Namibia clinched the victory with a 4-2 win. This outcome not only highlighted the unpredictability and competitive spirit inherent in sports but also showcased the rising talent and potential of teams like Namibia in the indoor sporting arena. The event was a testament to the high level of competition and the growing stature of indoor sports in the region.
Namibia women are the champions of the inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup. Congratulations to Namibia on their victory over SPAR South Africa in the final. https://t.co/xvDELyWc1U#NkosiCup23 pic.twitter.com/enpBlk840F
— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) December 19, 2023
2024 Outlook: South Africa Gears Up for Hockey5s World Cup and Paris Olympics
As we turn our attention to 2024, the anticipation is building for the Paris Olympic Games set to commence in July. However, before this prestigious event, the focus shifts to the dynamic and exhilarating Hockey5s World Cup in Oman, where the team is set to make a significant impact. The South African squad is positioned in Pool B, where they will face formidable opponents in Australia, Ukraine, and Zambia.
This World Cup, commencing on the 24th of January, promises to be a showcase of agility, strategy, and speed, characteristic of the Hockey5s format. South Africa will kick off their campaign on the opening day with what promises to be an engaging match against Zambia. This event offers a platform for the team to demonstrate their prowess in this fast-paced version of hockey on the world stage.
At Sport South Africa, we extend our best wishes to the South African Women’s Hockey team for their endeavors in 2024. We are committed to supporting and covering your journey every step of the way.
You can also get involved and assist the team reach their Olympic 2024 dreams via their crowdfunding campaign.
https://fundyourpassion.protouch.africa/product/sa-womens-national-team-paris2024-campaign/
For More South African Hockey News:
South African Women’s and Men’s Hockey Teams Shine at African Hockey Road to Paris 2024
South Africa’s 2024 Olympics Journey Begins at the African Hockey Road to Paris tournament
South African U21 Men’s Hockey Team Set to Compete in the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia
For More South African Sport News: Sport South Africa Home Page
