The South African Women’s Hockey team, sponsored by Private Property, head off to Ismailia in Egypt for the Africa Cup for Nations this month.
A strong South African team will take on five other African nations in their quest to win the tournament for a record 7th time. Although the team has already secured a spot at the 2018 Hockey World Cup in London, there are still important world ranking points up for grabs.
“The team selected is a highly competitive group that is focused on earning vital world ranking points at this premier African hockey event,” said Sheldon Rostron, the SA Women’s Hockey Head Coach.
“We will be looking to carry the momentum created at World League in Johannesburg to grow and win the tournament. Winning tournaments is really important to us and with the support from Private Property we have managed to spend more time with the national squad. We are taking an experienced team to the Africa Cup for Nations however we are also exposing a couple of new youngsters to the group, which is always exciting,” he added.
Simon Bray, CEO of Private Property remarked, “It is phenomenal to see the growth in support for the SA Women's hockey team. The recent World League hosted in Johannesburg saw great numbers attend the games and 117 039 view the live matches on Super Sport. Their excellent 5th place finish means the team has already earned a spot at the FIH Hockey World cup next year. We wish them well as they head to the Africa Cup for Nations in preparation towards the World Cup in London.”
Team News
Two “new caps” join the SAW team: Sylvia van Jaarsveldt and Kristen Paton. Sylvia, a student at Potchefstroom University, was the joint top goal scorer at the Premier Hockey League, playing for the Madikwe Rangers last year.
Kristen is a talented youngster who represented the South Africa Women’s U21 team at the Junior World Cup in Chile last year. Izelle Verster and Erin Hunter both return to the national side, including Olympian, Dirkie Chamberlain. Shelley Jones has withdrawn due to injury.
The full SA Women’s Team:
- Phumelela Mbande
- Nicole La Fleur
- Nicolene Terblanche
- Celia Evans
- Kara Botes
- Jessica O’Connor
- Erin Hunter
- Quanita Bobbs
- Stephanie Baxter
- Kristen Paton
- Ilse Davids
- Izelle Verster
- Lilian Du Plessis
- Candice Manuel
- Tarryn Glasby
- Sulette Damons
- Dirkie Chamberlain
- Sylvia van Jaarsveldt
The teams departs from OR Tambo on 20 October 2017.
