South Africa will head to next month’s FIH Hockey World Cup with a blend of proven international experience and exciting young talent after SA Hockey unveiled their 20-player women’s squad for the tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands on Sunday.
Captain Edith Molikoe leads a squad featuring 10 Olympians, nine of whom represented South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as the national side prepares to take on the world’s best from from mid-August.
The announcement follows an encouraging build-up in which South Africa completed a 4-0 Test series sweep over Namibia in Cape Town, giving the coaching staff a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations before naming the final squad.
Molikoe will be joined by experienced campaigners Ongeziwe Mali and Ntsopa Mokoena, who both celebrated their 50th international caps during the Namibia series. Hannah Pearce also earned selection after finishing as the side’s leading scorer against Namibia, netting six goals across the four Tests to underline her importance from penalty corners.
Taheera Augousti and Onthathile “Thati” Zulu add further experience, while youngsters Ane Janse van Vuuren and Caylin Maree will be hoping to make a seamless transition from the Junior World Cup to the senior global showpiece.
The squad reflects South Africa’s desire to build on the progress made in recent seasons as they prepare for a challenging World Cup campaign against England, China and India. SA Hockey president Deon Morgan congratulated the players on their selection, describing a World Cup call-up as the reward for years of dedication.
“Representing South Africa at a World Cup is one of the greatest honours available to a hockey player,” Morgan said.
“We congratulate every player selected and recognise the years of commitment, sacrifice and hard work that have brought them to this moment. We also acknowledge the coaches, families, schools, clubs and provinces who have played an important role in their journeys.
“This squad will carry the hopes of the South African hockey community, and we wish them every success as they prepare to represent our country.”
The squad announcement comes just days after Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie approved R3m in financial assistance to ensure both the men’s and women’s teams can compete fully funded at the World Cup after SA Hockey faced a funding shortfall.
The South African women will now continue their preparations with a training camp and warm-up matches in Scotland before travelling to the Netherlands for the World Cup, where they will aim to carry their impressive recent form onto hockey’s biggest stage.
South African Women’s Squad for FIH Hockey World Cup
Aneโ Janse van Vuure, Lerato Mahole, Baylee Engelke, Marlise van Tonder, Bianca Wood, Morgan de Jager, Cailynn den Bakker, Ntsopa Mokoena, Caylin Maree, Ongeziwe Mali, Edith Molikoe (capt),ย Onthatile Zulu, Hannah Pearce, Paris-Gail Isaacs, Jean-Leigh du Toit, Shanna Mendonca,Kayla de Waal, Stephanie Botha, Laiken Brisset, Taheera Augousti
