South Africa dominates Allistar Fredericks African Challenge
South Africa’s u16A boys’ hockey team produced a commanding display to end the Allistar Fredericks African Challenge with a 5-1 win over Zimbabwe’s u18A side on Friday, at St David’s Marist Inanda, in Sandton.
The hosts wasted no time in taking control of the clash, dominating from the first whistle.
Blaine Candy got the scoreboard moving, netting two brilliant goals in quick succession to give South Africa the early lead and ignite the home crowd.
South Africa’s blistering start continued when Dante Elkington struck, followed by Kade Lottering, which made it 4-0 before the end of the first chukka.
The visitors regrouped in the second chukka. They were more composed and tightened their defensive shape, and they were rewarded when Dean Muzengeza pulled a goal back to make it 4-1.
The third chukka was end-to-end, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to finish, thanks to disciplined defending and sharp goalkeeping.
Luc Boyall rounded off the scoring in the fourth chukka, slotting South Africa’s fifth to put the cherry on the top of an impressive performance by the home team.
South Africa‘s u16B side also impressed, cruising to a 6-0 win over Zimbabwe’s U16A team.
Buhle Mfunelwa opened the scoring and penalty corner conversions from Caleb Cilliers and Kaden Henderson stretched the lead to 3-0 in the second chukka. Kamohelo Tsoka added a fourth with a fine field goal.
Zimbabwe was feeling the pressure, and their task was made more difficult when Raymond Sipani was shown a green card, which left them a man down for two minutes.
South Africa capitalised immediately, with captain Jason Joiner converting a penalty corner to put his side 5-0 ahead. Buhle Kama completed a resounding 6-0 win with the final goal of the game and the series.
South Africa’s Ben Wilson was named the man of the match. He expressed his gratitude to his team, saying: “I am just grateful to be with this team. There is so much talent in this team and support from the coaches, so I am grateful.”
SA captain Jason Joiner said the South African national team had performed well throughout the series. “This team is amazing,” he reckoned. “We have learned a lot from each other because everyone has got the skill.
“(Coach) Siya (Sityana) has been amazing. He has taught us a lot of stuff during this week, and I think we all grew as players.”
Results
SA u16 A: 5 Blaine Candy (2), Dante Elkington, Kade Lottering, Luc Boyall
Zimbabwe U18A: 1 Dean Muzengeza
SA u16B: 6 Buhle Mfunelwa, Caleb Cilliers, Kaden Hinderson, Kamohelo Tsoka, Jason Joiner, Buhle Kama
Zimbabwe u16A: 0
