As Team SA looks ahead to the inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup, a formidable and highly experienced squad has been announced to do battle on home soil in Cape Town from 15-19 December, 2023.
After leading the side to victory over Switzerland at the recently-concluded Tuanku Zara Cup final in Malaysia, Jamie Southgate will once again take the captain’s armband while standout player of the tournament in Malaysia, Tegan Fourie, aims to take that momentum into the Nkosi Cup.
“It’s another opportunity to expand our player pool and fortify our depth ahead of the 2024 African Hockey Indoor Cup of Nations. We eagerly await the support of our home crowds and strive to give them every reason to cheer!”
SA Women’s Indoor Head Coach AJ Spieringshoek
Versatile player Laylaa Davids is set for a debut, this after recently also earning her first cap for the outdoor national team.
Four players who helped SA to a historic semi-final berth at the World Cup in February, hosted in Pretoria – but missed the showpiece in Malaysia – Cheree Greyvenstein, Laiken Brisset, Jess Lardant, and Daniela de Oliveira, make a return to boost the squad for the December tournament.
Tickets are available via the SA Hockey FanApp
Head Coach AJ Spieringshoek is eagerly anticipating the home-ground advantage: “We are thrilled to be back home for the inaugural Nkosi Cup. The Malaysia victory was an exhilarating journey, and after a tremendous year for the South African Indoor Hockey team, we’re excited to conclude the year with our first series on home soil since the World Cup.
New Nkosi Cup Established To Elevate International Indoor Hockey
This brand-new addition to the international hockey calendar comes to Cape Town and slated to close the year for each nation involved. South African Hockey has revealed the newly established inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup, partnering with Pro Series Indoor.
The tri-nations tournament will make its debut from 15-19 December 2023, featuring a round-robin group stage that will culminate in a final at Wynberg Military Base, in Cape Town.
The women’s division will include Ireland, World Cup contender Namibia, taking on South Africa, the reigning Tuanku Zara Cup champions and World Cup semi-finalists.
SA a Premium Destination for World Hockey Events
South Africa is becoming a premium destination for World Hockey events, in February this year, Pretoria successfully staged the first FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup outside of Europe.
Shaune Baaitjies, interim CEO of SA Hockey, emphasised South Africa’s hosting prowess, saying, “Our nation boasts a rich history of successfully hosting events. Following the remarkable feat of hosting the Indoor World Cup on short notice, we anticipate the Nkosi Cup to further elevate the profile of Indoor Hockey. We envisage it to serve as a beacon of inspiration for children to embrace the sport. Once again, South African hockey enthusiasts are in for an exhilarating experience.”
Simon Martin, CEO of Pro Series Indoor, expressed his delight in bringing this tournament to South Africa, stating, “I firmly believe that indoor hockey has found its home in South Africa. The success of the Indoor Hockey World Cup showcased our capability. South Africa’s hospitality is renowned globally, and the Nkosi Cup holds the promise of becoming an iconic event on the indoor hockey calendar. We’re confident this event will set a new standard of world-class indoor hockey.”
SPAR South Africa Women’s Indoor Hockey Squad
Bonolo Moabi 6
Jamie Southgate 81
Laylaa Davids 0
Cailynn den Bakker 6
Jess Lardant 52
Malikah Hamza 6
Cheree Greyvenstein 61
Kayla de Waal 45
Sarah Paget 4
Daniela de Oliveira 6
Kelsey Swanepoel 6
Tegan Fourie 57
Edith Molikoe 64
Laiken Brisset 17
Main Photo Caption: Women’s Indoor Head Coach AJ Spieringshoek names a formidable Team SA for the inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup in another opportunity to expand the SA player pool in Cape Town from 15-19 December, 2023. Photo: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Four players who helped SA to a historic semi-final berth at the World Cup in February, hosted in Pretoria – but missed the showpiece in Malaysia – Cheree Greyvenstein, Laiken Brisset, Jess Lardant, and Daniela de Oliveira, make a return to boost the squad for the December tournament. Photo: Supplied