The SA Hockey Association Tournament returned to Bloemfontein, kicking off on Sunday (18/6) with the U/18 category.

The Southern Free State U/18A girls’ team beat the Western Province U/18A girls’ team by 3-1, in a recovery victory after losing against Northern Gauteng on Monday.

“The girls did very well today. We got the goals. That’s what we needed especially after the disappointing game yesterday. This was one of our quarter-finals that we needed to win, so it was a must-win,” said former Protea hockey player and Southern Free State u/18 A girls coach Sulette Kotze.

Quincley Norris(16). Picture: Morgan Piek 

She added their next quarter-final game will be played tomorrow, against Southern Gauteng, who appear to be tournament favourites. She, however, believes the team can do well with the momentum picked up today and it will be a good game as long as they don’t put too much pressure on themselves.

“It’s always nice to see what we have at a provincial level, hopefully, we have good depth going forward, but it’s always nice to see them competing,” said former Protea hockey player and now coach Lenise Marais.

Bianca Rees-Gibbs (16) scored two of the three goals – one from a penalty corner goal and the other from a field goal, with the first shot coming from Quincley Norris (16).

Georgia Kambanis, number 3. Picture: Morgan Piek

The tournament lasts until Friday (21/6) for the U/18s. The U/13s will then start on Sunday and play till Wednesday, followed by the U/16s from 28 June to 3 July.

The 2024 event is hosted by the University of the Free State, Grey College, Eunice High School for Girls, St Andrew’s School, and St. Michael’s School.

Fixtures and game statistics are available on the official South African Hockey Association website.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg