In a momentous stride for South African hockey, the Women’s Hockey5s team gears up for the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman in January, 2024. Drawn into Pool B alongside Zambia, Australia, and Ukraine, this marks a pivotal step for the team.
Hockey5s, a burgeoning variant in field hockey, has seen limited exposure on the global stage. South Africa’s tryst with Hockey5s commenced during the FIH Lausanne series, narrowly missing a final berth, followed by a third-place finish at the African Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier, clinching their spot in this historic event.
The roster of 10 players unveiled by South African Hockey signifies a blend of seasoned talents and rising stars. Notably, six players boast experience from the international tournaments, with Rea Phume and Toni Marks leading the pack having featured in both.
With stalwarts like Dirkie Chamberlain, Izelle Cilliers, Shindre-Lee Simmons, and Toni Marks, the team aims to navigate uncharted waters, relying on their wealth of tournament expertise. Coach Tsoanelo Pholo, an Olympian herself, brings invaluable insight to guide the team on the grandest stage.
Expressing her pride, Coach Pholo commented, “It’s an immense honor to unveil the squad representing us at the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup. Each player who participated in the camps elevated the game, making selection an arduous task. We believe in our team’s ability to compete in Oman and bring pride to our nation.”
Anticipation mounts for the groundbreaking Hockey5s World Cup slated for January 24-27, 2024, and enthusiasts can catch the action on Watch.Hockey.
SA Hockey5s World Cup Squad (Name – Caps)
Dirkie Chamberlain – 4
Reabetswe Phume – 8
Grace Cochrane – 3
Shanna Medonca – 0
Izelle Cilliers – 4
Shindre-Lee Simmons – 0
Marguerite van Wyk – 0
Teshawn de la Rey – 4
Merlise Kock – 0
Toni Marks – 8
Photo Caption: SA Fast5s Coach Tsoanelo Pholo has unveiled a 10-strong team for the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman in January, 2024. Rea Phume (pictured) and Toni Marks will lead the pack from the front, having participated in both the FIH Lausanne series and the African Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier. Photo: Rea Phuma on Instagram