St Paul’s College’s first hockey girls team excelled to reach the final of an international tournament in Cape Town for the second successive year.
Competing at the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament, held from 21 to 26 July, St Paul’s remained undefeated throughout the tournament, producing a series of impressive performances against some of South Africa’s strongest hockey schools, before narrowly losing to Reddam House
Constantia in a penalty shootout.
Reddam House Constantia is currently ranked 10th in the South African girls’ first XI hockey rankings, making the closely contested final an exceptional achievement for the Windhoek-based side.
Adding to the team’s success, Leila Grogli was named player of the tournament, recognising her outstanding performances throughout the
competition.
St Paul’s delivered consistently strong performances during the tournament, recording five wins and one draw.
They drew 0-0 against Rhenish Girls’ High School, while beating York High School 2-1, La Rochelle Girls’ High School 2-1, Charlie Hofmeyr High School 4-0, Paarl Girls’ High School 3-0 and Somerset College 3-0.
“The team’s unbeaten run to the final highlighted its depth, discipline and ability to compete with some of the best school hockey programmes
in South Africa. Reaching consecutive elite finals at one of the region’s premier school hockey tournaments is a significant accomplishment and reflects the dedication of the players, coaching staff and the wider St Paul’s hockey community,” St Paul’s said in a press release.
“The performances in Cape Town continue to reinforce the growing strength of Namibian school hockey on the regional stage. Although the title narrowly slipped away, St Paul’s first team returns home with much to celebrate, having once again showcased exceptional skill, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship while proudly representing both their school and Namibia,” it added.
“St Paul’s College congratulates the entire team, coaching staff and supporters on another memorable campaign and celebrates Leila Grogli’s
well-deserved player of the tournament award. Their achievements in Cape Town are a testament to the continued growth of hockey at the school and an inspiration for the next generation of Namibian players,” the press release stated.
