The Indoor Hockey Africa Cup kicks off today at MTC The Dome in Swakopmund, featuring fierce competition among four nations: host Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Both the men's and women's teams from these countries will be vying for the top spots in this prestigious tournament.
Today, the first day of the competition, the South African women’s team will take on Botswana at 15h30, followed by the South African men facing Botswana at 17h00. The Namibian women’s team will then compete against Zimbabwe at 18h30, with the day concluding as the Namibian men’s team squares off against Zimbabwe at 20h00.
Friday, day two, promises more thrilling matches. Botswana will face Zimbabwe in the women’s category at 15h30, followed by a clash between the Namibian women and South Africa at 17h00. The men's matches will see Botswana going up against Zimbabwe at 18h30, and the day will end with the Namibian men taking on South Africa at 20h30.
Saturday, the third day, starts with the South African men competing against Zimbabwe at 11h00, followed by the women’s teams at 12h30. The Namibian women will then play Botswana at 14h00, with the final match of the day featuring the Namibian men against Botswana at 15h30.
The final day of action will determine the tournament's outcomes. The third and fourth-ranked teams will compete at 12h30, followed by the men’s third-place match at 14h00. The top two women’s teams will then battle for the championship at 15h30, with the men’s final concluding the competition at 17h00.
The captain of the Namibian women’s side Gillian Hermanus expressed excitement about the upcoming competition, she further said that it’s a massive honour to play for the country. She also spoke about the big pool of young players coming through the ranks and shared that they keep them on their toes.
This tournament serves as the African qualifiers for the Indoor Hockey World Cup, scheduled to take place in 2025 in Croatia. Only the top two men’s and women’s teams will earn a spot in this global event. The primary aim for all teams is to reach the final stage and secure their place in next year's World Cup.
The Namibian women’s team includes Petro Stofberg, Jamie Henckert, Gillian Hermanus, Sunelle Ludwig, Kiana-Che Cormack, Azaylee Philander, Jivanka Kruger, Jerrica Bartlett, Amber Dercksen, Jahntwa Kruger, Kyla Landsberg, and Danja Meyer.
The Namibian men’s team comprises David Strauss, Roben Kambinda, Ernest Jacobs, Dakota Hansen, David Britz, Liam Hermanus, John-Paul Britz, Nico Neethling, Cody van der Merwe, Owen Hatton, Fagan Hansen, and Brynn Cleak.
– lmupetami@nepc.com.na