Esteves applauds SA u17 girls after impressive showing in Malaysia
The South African u17 girls’ head coach, Natalie Esteves, says she’s pleased with how her team showed “improvement and growth” at the Dato’ Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia.
The international hockey tournament concluded on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, with South Africa ending their sojourn on a high by claiming the bronze medal after defeating Queensland (Australia) 5-3 on penalties after their match had ended in a 2-2 draw.
Finishing third is the best finish yet achieved by the South African girls in the Dato Mirnawan Cup. In 2023 and 2024, they were beaten in the third-place playoff.
“It’s always important to win your last game when playing in a tournament,” Esteves told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“I think they showed unbelievable courage and tenacity to come back from 0-2 down to get a win.
“Heading into this tournament, we just wanted to expose players to this level of hockey and allow them the chance to grow and develop. I think overall the team showed huge improvement and growth.”
The South African girls started their campaign on the back foot, losing 1-3 to Queensland on the opening day despite enjoying the majority of possession.
On day two, they bounced back with a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over the Australia Crocs, thanks to a Holly Hofmeyr strike.
The side went on to draw 2-2 with Malaysia Tigress before suffering a 0-5 loss against the tournament’s outstanding team, Japan, in their final pool match.
Japan went on to lift the title with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Malaysia Tigress.
“We are so lucky to be able to play against international opposition and expose players so young to other styles of the game,” Esteves said.
“The different levels of physicality and the adversity of playing in tougher conditions away from home are crucial. It’s an unbelievable opportunity for these players, and I’m sure we will see the rewards in the future.”
The South African Schools Hockey Association (SASHOC) will surely feel positive about the strides the South African boys’ and girls’ u17 teams have made in Malaysia in recent years. The event has also helped to identify areas in which the local game needs attention, Esteves said.
“I think, naturally, as SA teams, we need to get physically stronger on the ball and more clinical in the final third.
“There are some technical skills that we can look to execute at a higher level. In saying that, I think we have incredible school programmes and provincial programmes that are working hard to try and fill those gaps.”
The coach also thanked the Malaysia Hockey Federation for hosting an outstanding event.
“It’s just an incredible tournament, and it’s such an honour to be invited,” Esteves said.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity and exposure. I know that all the players have grown and learnt something, which is what it’s about at this age group.”
- Esteves applauds SA u17 girls after impressive showing in Malaysia - 2025-11-10
- SA teams aim for Dato Mirnawan Cup finals - 2025-11-07
- Dato Mirnawan Cup joy for SA u17 girls - 2025-11-04
