SA teams qualify for World Cup

Cape Town – South African hockey celebrated on two fronts after both the men’s and women’s sides conquered Africa playing in the Continental Championships in Egypt on Sunday.

First the women downed Ghana in the final, played in Ismailia, and shortly afterwards the men overcame the host nation Egypt.

Illse Davids got things up and running for SA with a field goal in the 19th and Lilian du Plessis gave the team some breathing space with a penalty corner in the 25th. Then it was two field goals from Tarryn Glasby in the 29th and 47th minutes.

Incredibly, the South African defence remained unbreached for the duration of the tournament and the side also provided the top four goalscorer – Dirkie Chamberlain with eight, Sulette Damons (five) and Du Plessis and Glasby with three apiece.

South Africa’s women have emerged as champions on each occasion they’ve contested these championships and Sunday’s success saw them win their seventh title.

On to the men, and they took on Egypt, the side they drew 3-3 with in their final pool game.

There was an early shock for the South Africans as Ahmed Elganaini put the home side 1- 0 up in the eighth minute. It took 31 minutes before coach Sheldon Rostron’s men (he also coached the women at this event) were on level terms through Taine Paton.

They left things late before sealing victory, a Jethro Eustace penalty corner in the 58th minute doing the trick two minutes from time.

The men’s victory means they’ll also be going to next year’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India.

The women had already booked their spot in the World Cup in London next year. – ANA