Namibia’s Kiana-Che Cormack launches an attack on Malikah Hamza’s possession in Saturday’s first fixture. Nkosi Cup defending champions Namibia arrived at the tournament to produce two nail-biting performances and open their account with a full house, beating South Africa before edging Ireland at the Wynberg Military Base in Cape Town, on Saturday, 14 December, 2024. All Photos: Alette Klopper

Namibia Women, the defending champions of the Nkosi Cup, arrived at the tournament on Saturday and produced two nail biting performances to open their account with a full house, beating South Africa before edging Ireland in their second match at the Wynberg Military Base in Cape Town, on Saturday, 14 December, 2024.

In the next enthralling chapter in one of the finest rivalries in world indoor hockey, the two African heavyweights locked horns in the early game on the second day. Taramarie Myburgh scored an early goal for the defending champions who doubled the lead just before half time. 

South Africa had a number of opportunities with penalty corners mounting, but they were unable to find the back of the net repeatedly frustrating themselves as well as being frustrated by a very good defensive effort from the Namibians.

Edith Molikoe did score a late goal, but it proved to be a consolation only and it was victory for the Nkosi Cup champions over the African Champions.

A double header was always going to be tough for Namibia, but if the game against South Africa showed their defensive stability, the game against Ireland showed their attacking threat.

It was Ireland who struck first through Sarah Patton, but Namibia roared back with three goals in the first quarter from Marika Neethling, Taramarie Myburgh and Azaylee Philander made it 3-1 at the first break. 

Kiana-Che Cormack made it 4-1 before nerves were slightly frazzled when Ireland pulled it back to 4-3 as Caroline Spence and Orla Fox penned their names on the scoresheet.

Cormack made it 5-3 before Sarah Patton cut it back to a one goal game again. Philander then stretched it and Spence cut the deficit in half to make 6-5, which would ultimately be the final score. 

A full six points for Namibia gives them the tournament log lead at the half way stage, South Africa are on 3 points with their win and loss to date, with Ireland on 0 points with two loses in two. 

SA Coach A.J. Spieringshoek and his team have two fixtures remaining ahead of Tuesday’s finals, against Namibia on Sunday evening and against Namibia on Monday evening, to figure a way to upset the Namibian camp if victory is to be theirs.

Nkosi Cup 2024 Fixture on Sunday, 15 December

17h30: South Africa vs Ireland

Results on Saturday, 14 December

Namibia 2 – 1 South Africa
Ireland 5 – 6 Namibia

Results on Friday, 13 December, 2024

South Africa 6 – 2 Ireland

Spar South Africa Women’s Indoor Hockey Team

2 Jamie Southgate (C)
6 Daniela de Oliveira
7 Edith Molikoe
8 Cailynn den Bakker
9 Kayla de Waal
14 Tegan Fourie
15 Malikah Hamza
16 Jessica Lardant
17 Laiken Brisset
23 Cheree Greyvenstein (GK)
25 Sarah Paget (GK)
29 Laylaa Davids

Team Manager: Tracey Flowers
Head Coach: A.J. Spieringshoek
Assistant Coach: Shahil Ramdin
Assistant Coach: Bryce West


Original Copy: SA Hockey, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: Namibia’s Kiana-Che Cormack launches an attack on Malikah Hamza’s possession in Saturday’s first fixture. Nkosi Cup defending champions Namibia arrived at the tournament to produce two nail-biting performances and open their account with a full house, beating South Africa before edging Ireland at the Wynberg Military Base in Cape Town, on Saturday, 14 December, 2024. All Photos: Alette Klopper

Photo 2 Caption: Taramarie Myburgh opened the scoring for Namibia against SA, the visitors with a 2-0 lead at half-time and holding on for the win despite a late Edith Molikoe goal.

Photo 3 Caption: SA Women’s Indoor Coach A.J. Spieringshoek looks to figure a way for his team to contain the rampant neighbours Namibia if they intend to win on Tuesday.

Photo 4 Caption: An elated Sarah Patton returns to her mark after scoring against Namibia in a nail-biting second fixture for the Africans, who prevailed under tough conditions.

Photo 5 Caption: Jerrica Bartlett and Danja Meyer Hi-5 in anticipation of their second win, against Ireland Women, in Cape Town on Saturday.

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