Potchefstroom is now the home of World Champions after three local heroes paved the way for the u.19 Women’s Underwater Hockey team to demolish their opposition at the 2015 Underwater Hockey World Championships.

The prestigious championships took place in Castellon de la Plana, Spain from 6-15 August and will fondly be remembered for hosting the South Africans who took home gold after beating New Zealand 3-2 in the final.

This was the first time in more than 10 years that New Zealand’s stranglehold of the trophy has been broken in this tournament. JD Aucamp, Pamela Mackor and Danél Wentzel represented the team with Wentzel as a player and Mackor and Aucamp as coaches.

“We never gave up and we went in with the motto that players score goals but teams win championships,” emphasised Aucamp. The team had a breathtaking run during the round robin phase and obliterated their opposition with ridiculous and well-deserved, 9-0, 12-0 and 7-0 victories to name a few.

The South Africans competed against eight other countries who were no match for the feisty young women who fired in goals right, left and centre. “We did not expect the reaction we received from the local public. It has been absolutely fantastic,” said Mackor.

The team went unbeaten in ten matches, scored 66 goals in total, and only conceded three. New Zealand has been the reigning champion in years past but, this time had to play second fiddle to the determined under 19’s. The South Africans were full of confidence after their 4-0 victory over Colombia in the semi-final and had their eyes on the prize the entire time.

“We visualised and were mentally prepared for victory. We also had a lot of energy and tremendous team spirit before the final,” said Mackor. The team was also blown away by the support they received from all the countries during the final.

“We were cheered on like never before. It was absolutely fantastic when we won. It took a day for it to really sink in that we are World champions,” said Aucamp.

According to Wentzel, the feeling was unreal and is something that she will cherish for her entire life. “Thank you so much to everyone for all your love and support, and thank you to my amazing team for always having each other’s backs. All the hard work and sacrifice finally paid off,” she said.