SA Men’s Squad named for the FIH Hockey Series Final

    The South African Hockey Association has today announced the SA Men’s side that will take part in the FIH Hockey Series Final in Bhubaneswar from the 6-15 June 2019. The tournament will be the first under the stewardship of Garreth Ewing with the goal of trying to finish in the top 2 to qualify for the FIH Olympic Qualifiers. South Africa will be in Pool B alongside USA, Mexico and Japan. With India, Poland, Russia and Uzbekistan competing in Pool A. The top team from each pool progresses to the Semi-Finals directly while the teams in 2ndand 3rd play a crossover Quarter Final. Ewing has taken the opportunity to call up a few players who missed out on the 2018 FIH World Cup at the same venue. Siya Nolutshungu returns to the line-up alongside Ryan Julius, Alex Stewart and Matt de Sousa. Matt Brown, who is lethal at penalty corner time, will get the opportunity to earn his first cap for his country. With Rhett Halkett and Julian Hykes having announced their retirement from the International game, there is an opportunity for others to cement their spots in the squad. Tim Drummond will continue to lead the team as captain. “Selection was a tough series of decisions because there were a lot of conversations between the selection panel and me regarding player availability. I am sure that some guys will be thrilled, and some will be disappointed.” Shared Ewing, “I’m happy with the balance of the team and our depth in terms of penalty corner attack. Some players will be in slightly different positional roles which I believe will be mentally stimulating for them. I’m very positive about this group both in terms of its talent and the balance between experience and youthful energy. I believe we will compete well and take a positive step in the team’s process.” South African Men’s Hockey Squad *Caps per FIH Tournament Management System at 08 May 2019, Province is most recently represented province. Fixtures – Hockey Series Final 06 June – South Africa vs. USA 08 June – South Africa vs. Japan 10 June – South Africa vs. Mexico 12 June – Crossovers 14 June – Semi-Finals 15 June – Final Source: Sports24Seven

    ACCC 2018: GRA, Telkom setup epic final

      Source: isports360.com | December 21, 2018 It was all joy for defending champions GRA as they beat Telkom in their match day five fixture and qualify to the final. The champions who had not been impressive in their opening three games looked to have regained confidence after their match against Delta which they won 7-0. With Telkom already in the final, pressure was on GRA to win at all cost especially after Ghana Police ladies had won earlier. The Champions looked a refined team with great display from the start. Playing so well, yet GRA failed to find the opener. Looking as wounded lions, they never gave up and went in search for that opener. Telkom on the other hand, gave them scary moments with few chances coming their way but the 2017 losing finalist could also not get the opener. A moment of scare in the first quarter from Jacqueline Wangechi as she lifted the ball over Azumah Bridget with the ball heading towards the goal post but Linda Effah bravely intervened to prevent the ball from entering. However, that moment finally came on the stroke of the end of third quarter. GRA won a penalty corner and Vivian Narkuoh with her first of the tournament put the champions infront. Telkom fought back to equalize but time run out as GRA carried the day to setup a repeat of the 2017 final against Telkom. Ghana Police had earlier in the day beaten Delta Queens in a game that saw five goals been scored. Delta surprisingly took the lead in the 5th minute courtesy a penalty stroke scored by Irame Beauty. Police responded quickly and got the equaliser. Delta went ahead again from a penalty corner this time around but the same scorer- Irame Beauty. Nafisatu Umaru scored two, a goal each in the third and final quarter both from a penalty corner to hand Ghana Police their third win of the campaign. Debutants USIU beat disappointing co-host Kada Queens in a game played in the early hours of the day. The newcomers cane from begins to register their first ever win at the ACCC. Kada who had not found the net in their previous four games finally broke the jinx in the 27th minute through Johnson Benedicta. Omindi Night scored in the 37th minute to tie the scores at 1-1. Jubilant celebrations followed five minutes later as Kuira Rhoda put USIU infront. The debutants held onto the lead till the final whistle to place fourth and book a place in the bronze medal match. MATCH DAY FIVE RESULTS Kada Queens 1 – 2 USIU Ghana Police 3 – 2 Delta queens Telkom 0 – 1 GRA