The SA Hockey IPT B Section began a new chapter as it got underway as a standalone tournament for the first time, with SACD and North West B recording opening-day women’s victories at The Hockey Farm in eMalahleni on Monday, 31 August 2026.
The tournament is the first national-level hockey event to be hosted in the region, with the champions of the women’s competition earning promotion to the SA Hockey IPT A Section in 2027.
SACD made the perfect start to the women’s competition with a controlled 2-0 victory over the KZN Mynahs. The Country Districts side needed only three minutes to open the scoring, with Chenelle Roux finding the back of the net to give her team an early advantage.
Roux struck again in the 19th minute, doubling both her tally and SACD’s lead.

Despite the Mynahs’ efforts to find a route back into the contest, there were no further goals as SACD protected their advantage and secured the opening three points of the tournament.
North West B also began their campaign with a 2-0 victory, overcoming hosts Mpumalanga in the second women’s encounter of the day. After a goalless opening quarter, Marika Neethling broke the deadlock from a penalty corner in the 24th minute.

North West then doubled their advantage through Erika Neuhoff, who converted a penalty corner after the half-time hooter to give the visitors a commanding lead at the interval.
As in the opening match, the second half produced no further scoring. North West managed the game well to close out the victory and join SACD on three points after the opening round.
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After two competitive women’s encounters on a memorable first day of national-level hockey in eMalahleni, the battle for promotion is officially underway.
SA Hockey IPT B Section women’s competition at The Hockey Farm, eMalahleni
Monday, 31 August 2026
10h00: SACD 2-0 KZN Mynahs at The Hockey Farm. Scorers: Chenelle Roux 3, 19
14h00: Mpumalanga 0-2 North West B at The Hockey Farm. Scorers: Marika Neethling 24. Erika Neuhoff 30
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
10h45: KZN Mynahs vs. North West B at The Hockey Farm
14h15: Mpumalanga vs. SACD at The Hockey Farm
All times CAT
Original Copy: Hockey SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: SACD and North West B top the women’s standings after round 1 wins at the SA Hockey IPT B Section on the first day of the standalone tournament at The Hockey Farm in eMalahleni on Monday, 31 August 2026. All Photos: ACK Sports Photography /
Photo 2 Caption: North West B beat Mpumalanga 2-nil with goals from Marika Neethling and Erika Neuhoff for the historic win result.

