Cape Town a key step toward World Cup
Hockey
The Namibian senior women’s indoor hockey team is ready to defend their Nkosi Cup title when they return to the Wynberg Military Base in Cape Town, South Africa. The prestigious tournament, in its second edition, will run from 13 to 17 December and serves as crucial preparation for the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia, following soon afterwards (February).
In Cape Town, Namibia’s women will face a testing triangular against SPAR South Africa and Ireland, while the men’s team takes on title holders South Africa alongside Ireland and New Zealand.
In the 2023 men’s final, South Africa found exactly the clinical reaction they were looking for with a 10-2 revenge after Namibia had beaten them 5-2 in the pool match just two days before.
The Namibia women won the 2023 final 4-2 against the hosts. More individual honours went to Gillian Hermanus (MVP of the final), Kiana Cormack (top goal-scorer and player of the tournament) as well as Petro Stoffberg (goalkeeper of the tournament).
No DJ Strauss in men’s team
Namibia’s men’s team will be without their inspirational captain and goalkeeper DJ Strauss, who will be absent with a family commitment.
This is however just a minor temporary setback, as Richter van Rooyen stepped up with a goalkeeper-of-the-tournament performance at the previous Nkosi Cup in December 2023. Also, Ernest Jacobs is no stranger in the team leadership role.
The 33-year-old Strauss had already been confirmed last month as captain of the squad to the Indoor World Cup.
The team is determined to put on a strong performance in Cape Town. Head coach Trevor Cormack emphasized the importance of the tournament, saying: “Team Namibia’s main goal and objective are very focused on performing at next year’s FIH Indoor World Cup.
“As African champions, we are in full preparation mode with a world-class roadmap and plan. The Nkosi Cup is our first preparation platform, giving us exposure to world-class competition, which we lack in home training.
“While we aren’t at full player strength yet, this tournament offers us a great opportunity to assess and build towards the World Cup.”
Namibia player squads
Women’s team: Petro Stoffberg and Jaimie Henckert (goalkeepers), Sunelle Ludwig (captain), Jahntwa Kruger, Kiana-Che Cormack (vice-captain), Azaylee Philander, Jivanka Kruger, Jerrica Bartlett, Taramarie Myburgh, Danja Meyer, Amber Dercksen, Marika Neethling. Coach: Shayne Cormack.
Men’s team: Richter van Rooyen and Roben Kambinda (goalkeepers), Ernest Jacobs (captain), Brynn Cleak, John Paul Britz, David Britz, Nico Neethling, Delron Handura, Cody van der Merwe, Fagan Hansen, Dakota Hansen, Matukaramove Kavikairiua.