The Namibian senior women’s hockey team successfully defended their Nkosi Cup in Cape Town on Tuesday night, crushing South Africa 3-1 in an intense final at the Wynberg Military Base. 

The victory marked another milestone for Namibia, securing their second consecutive Nkosi Cup. Namibia took control early in the match, with Jivanka Kruger scoring the only goal of the first half. The goal came from a well-executed attack, and Namibia’s disciplined defensive structure made it difficult for South Africa to break through, leaving them frustrated at the half-time break with a 0-1 deficit.

In the third quarter, South Africa gained momentum, creating several chances. However, it was Namibia who struck again, with Kiana Cormack converting a penalty corner to double the team’s lead. South Africa responded quickly, pulling one goal back, igniting the crowd, and increasing the pressure on Namibia. As the match neared its final moments, South Africa pulled their goalkeeper in a desperate attempt to equalise. They had a golden opportunity but fired wide of the target, sealing their fate.

Kruger, who was named player of the match, sealed the 3-1 win with a late counter-attacking goal, ensuring Namibia retained their title. Ireland took the bronze medal.

In the men’s final, South Africa triumphed 3-2 over Namibia in a thrilling match. South Africa, led by their all-time most-capped player Justin Domleo, created the best chances in the opening quarter. 

Despite their efforts, they were unable to convert from penalty corners, with Namibia’s disciplined defence holding strong. Namibia made South Africa pay for their missed opportunities when JP Britz fired a powerful penalty corner to give his team a 1-0 lead at half-time.

South Africa responded after the break, with Mustapha Cassiem scoring his 99th international goal to level the match. Cassiem soon put South Africa in the lead, becoming the first South African men’s player to reach a century of goals. Namibia fought back, with Fagan Hansen equalising after a deflection off Domleo.

The final quarter was intense, with both sides searching for a winner. It was Cassiem, however, who clinched the match with a sensational finish, completing his 17th career hat-trick, and securing South Africa’s 3-2 victory.

In the men’s bronze medal match, Ireland defeated New Zealand 2-0 in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 5-5 draw. The match, featuring two debutant teams, was a thrilling spectacle with goals in every quarter, ultimately being decided by a nerve-wracking shootout. – Additional information: SA Hockey