Young hockey team impresses in SA games

NAMIBIA gave a good account of itself at the SA U/21 Interprovincial A-level hockey tournament at Hartleyvale, Cape Town, last week.

The tournament featured the best under-21 South African players – some of whom already play for the senior team of that country. The Namibian team – with a largely under-18 side – competed well and held their own against their more advanced opponents. The team improved, five positions up from their 2010 placing, finishing seventh out of 12 teams. The young side’s results were made even more impressive considering that Namibian players practise on grass at home while they have to adjust to Astroturf for international games.Four of the U/21 Namibia players (Marcia Venter, Annalien Davin, Maxi Smit and Jerrica Bartlett) represented Namibia at the Indoor World Cup in Feb 2011 in Poland and the experience did show on the field. Namibia beat Eastern Province 1-0 thanks to a goal by Marcia Venter, before Teagan Rix ensured they beat Wits 1-0 in their next game. The team them saw-off Western Province Pens 2-0 courtesy of strikes from Marcia Venter and Teagan Rix, however they lost their subsequent two games 2-0 to Southerns of Johannesburg and to eventual tournament winners Free State 3-2. Midfielders Annalien Davin and Marcia Venter along with Teagan Rix in attack were outstanding for Namibia. Also impressive were defenders Jocelle Deysel and Britta Hansel. Namibia U/21 Team: Marcia Venter (Captain), Annalien Davin (Vice), Teagan Rix, Danielle Labuschagne, Jerrica Bartlett, Mariaan Laubscher, Jocelle Deysel, Michelle van Zyl, Britta Hansel, Minanto Chamberlain, Carla van Zyl, Wilmari Walters, Leanne Mitchelle, Sune Wittmann, Maxi Smit, Jeanne Davin (Coach) and Sedric Makati (Assistant Coach/Manager).

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.