Mixed fortunes for SA u17 boys
The South African u17 boys’ hockey team entered the third edition of the Dato Mirnawan Cup intending to go all the way.
However, it was far from smooth sailing for coach Justin Collins and his team in the opening rounds of the tournament.
Ahead of the event, the South Africans would’ve drawn inspiration from last year’s team, which won silver.
On Sunday, the opening day of the tournament, they began well, delivering a blistering performance to whip Canada 9-1. It was a commanding victory that filled the team with confidence.
Captain Reece Theunis scored a hattrick while Siwaphiwe Sithembu found the back of the net on two occasions. The other goals were netted by Callum Anderson, Keegan Le Roux, Chris Abrahams, and Ryde Brisset.
Up against South Korea in their second outing, South Africa’s confidence was jolted when the Koreans’ quick and aggressive play caught Theunis and company off guard.
They found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 0-3. South Africa, though, staged a valiant comeback, but South Korea found a decisive strike to score a 4-3 win.
The team’s last group match was against the hosts. It was a must-win clash with a place in the top four on the line.
Unfortunately for the touring side, they lacked a cutting edge and struggled to find their rhythm. Meanwhile, Malaysia was on song and scored three goals to secure their second win of the tournament.
Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus after day three’s action, South Africa’s head coach Collins said they were disappointed by the results but will continue to soldier on and take lessons from their performances.
“It’s not the position we would’ve liked to be in, but that’s the nature of tournament hockey,” he said from Malaysia.
“It’s a game of inches. We never prepare to lose. No team does. This is a great experience for our young players on an international stage.”
With the group matches done and dusted, the South Africans are out of medal contention and will enter the playoffs aiming to finish in fifth place.
On Thursday, 7 November, they will face Queensland at 10:00 SAST. Click HERE to watch the match.
