
A goal from South Africa’s player of the match, Jean-Leigh du Toit, was enough to seal an important 1-0 win against Ireland at the NWU Astroturf today (Monday, 4 April) to send South Africa’s Junior Hockey World Cup team in the quarter-finals.
Du Toit’s goal came from a penalty corner just before half-time and the hosts never looked back showing grit in defending their goal in the second half, whilst also creating opportunities on attack.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
This monumental win was just the needed boost for SA after losing against England 3-0 in their opening encounter. SA could not afford to draw and needed to win this match in order to progress out of the group. Du Toit and company delivered to send the home fans cheering.
The look of absolute delight and relief was palpable on every SA players’ face when the final whistle sounded.
It was a total team effort from Lenise Marais’ girls as they played their hearts out in front of a vocal crowd. Credit must be given to Hanrie Louw in defence who put in a sterling display to keep Ireland’s attackers at bay. Louw’s deflected touch also kept the Irish scoreless from a penalty corner.
Onthathile Zulu was also great on the ball and showed her class on attack. Edith Molikoe and Kayla de Wall was also excellent in the middle of the park with their bustling runs.
Jacolene McLaren also put in a good shift in defence when she came off the bench.
The final 5 minutes was tense with Ireland doing their utmost to gain the goal that would send them through, as they only needed a draw to progress. The Irish fans in the stands tried their best to motivate them – but for once the Irish luck has run out.
“We are really happy to have made top 8. We know we needed to win and we gave 100 per cent. The goal really stood out so that goal means a lot to us,” stated Zulu.
Du Toit was also thrilled to pick up the player of the match award for her all-round contribution on the day. “It as quite tough out there. The Irish came out hard but we took our chances when it mattered most. I think we gave too many cheap turn overs and we need to score most goals. It is always an honour to play for SA. We play for everyone in the country,” added Du Toit.
SA next face the Netherlands on Friday, 8 April in what should be a really tough quarter-final match.
The Netherlands will be hot favourites, but with a home crowd the SA team will be sure to give their all.
The match starts at 09:00.