Namibia’s women successfully defended their Indoor Hockey Nkosi Cup title, defeating South Africa 3-1, while South Africa’s men claimed victory 3-2 in a thrilling match. Jivanka Kruger scored two goals for Namibia, while Mustaphaa Cassiem netted all three goals for South Africa, marking a significant milestone in his career.
On Tuesday evening, Namibia’s women’s indoor hockey team successfully defended their title at the Indoor Hockey Nkosi Cup, defeating South Africa 3-1 at the Wynberg Military Base Stadium in Cape Town. Jivanka Kruger was instrumental in the victory, scoring two goals, while Kiana Cormack contributed with one. The men’s final saw South Africa triumph over Namibia in a thrilling contest, with Mustaphaa Cassiem netting all three goals for his team in a 3-2 win, thereby marking his 101st international goal.
The women’s final showcased a tense battle, characterized by methodical play from South Africa, yet the hosts found it challenging to penetrate Namibia’s formidable defense. Jivanka Kruger launched Namibia ahead with a stunning solo goal borne from a counter-attack. Despite South Africa’s vigorous efforts in the second quarter, Namibia’s goalkeeper, Petro Stoffberg, delivered a series of critical saves to maintain their lead.
As the match progressed into the final quarter, Kiana Cormack increased Namibia’s lead with a goal from a short corner, prompting South Africa to step up their attack. Following Malikah Hamza’s goal for South Africa, Kruger secured the match with a counter-attack goal into an empty net. Coach Shayne Cormack expressed immense pride in her team’s performance, commending their discipline and execution of strategy.
The Indoor Hockey Nkosi Cup, important in promoting competitive indoor hockey in southern Africa, attracts strong teams like Namibia and South Africa. The event has developed into a platform showcasing the talent of women’s and men’s teams, with competitive matchups underscoring the fierce rivalry and skill present in the region’s indoor hockey scene. Following their wins, both Namibia’s women’s team and South Africa’s men’s team further cemented their standings as leading teams in the sport.
In conclusion, Namibia’s women’s team clinched the Indoor Hockey Nkosi Cup title for the second consecutive year with a 3-1 victory over South Africa, highlighted by Jivanka Kruger’s standout performance. Meanwhile, South Africa’s men fought hard for their title, edging out Namibia in a tense 3-2 encounter. Both finals showcased remarkable talent and skill, contributing to the growing reputation of indoor hockey in the region.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
