The Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) Female Protea CounterStrike GO Esports Team can be proud of their performance at the International Esports Federation’s 16th World Esports Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 11 to 19 November 2024.
In the first match-up, South Africa took on Spain where they lost game one and game two 7-13 and 5-13 respectively.
Second up was Norway and the team was down 5-7 in the first half, but captain Jess Greeff rallied her side to a 13-10 victory. The Scandinavians took a 13-9 win in the second match, but the South Africans bounced back and won the third match.
After two and a half hours of play, they were thrown a curve ball at the dinner interval as officials instructed them to play against a fresh Australian team with only a 15-minute break.
With no time to recharge or strategise, the weary South Africans prepared once more for battle against the well-rested Aussies.
The first game caught the South African team off guard, and the Australians won 13 – 4. Nevertheless, the South African team proved they were made of sterner stuff, and fought back fiercely in the second game to win 13 – 8, however, fatigue crept in in the third game, which ultimately led to slower reaction times and Australia snatched victory 13 – 8 in the third and final game to win two games to one.
The MSSA Female Protea CounterStrike GO Esports Team headed back to South Africa after having completed their matches.
The team displayed the highest levels of sportsmanship throughout the championship, and the discipline, perseverance, and playing skills attracted the attention of players, officials, and international scouts alike.
One player who should be mentioned is Avonique van Rooyen. She is a young learner at Hoërskool Oosterlig, who performed exceptionally well at both the African Esports Championships in Casablanca in August 2024 as well as the IESF’s WEC24.
Although Van Rooyen is the youngest member of the team, her standard of play impressed all present, and bodes well for her future participation in international events. Under the mentorship of team captain Greeff – incidentally is the most capped female in MSSA across all disciplines since 1984, the budding player excelled with exceptional standard and ability.
South Africa Results at the International Esports Federation 16th World Esports Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 11-19 November 2024
South Africa vs Spain
Lost 7 – 13
Lost 5 – 13
South Africa vs Norway
Won 13 – 10
Lost 9 – 13
Won 13 – 8
South Africa vs Australia
Lost 4 -13
Won 13 – 8
Lost 13-8
Female Protea CounterStrike GO Esports Team
Jess Greeff (captain)
Avonique van Rooyen
Megan van der Westhuizen
Kayhla Rose Calder
Christin Brazier
Original Copy: Mind Sports South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) Female Protea CounterStrike GO Esports Team can be proud of their performance at the International Esports Federation 16th World Esports Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 11-19 November 2024. Photo: MSSA
Photo 2 Caption: The International Esports Federation 16th World Esports Championships was competed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 11-19 November 2024. Photo: MSSA
Photo 3 Caption: The 2-game loss to Spain and the rushed Australia battle presented challenges, but the team maintained the highest levels of sportsmanship. Photo: MSSA
Photo 4 Caption: Hoërskool Oosterlig scholar Avonique van Rooyen performed exceptionally well at both the African Esports Champs in Casablanca in August 2024, as well as the IESF’s WEC24. Photo: IESF
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