The SA Hockey Association Tournament kicked off in Bloemfontein on Sunday, focusing initially on the U/18 category. The Southern Free State U/18A girls team rebounded impressively, defeating the Western Province U/18A team 3-1 after a previous loss to North Gauteng. Coach Sulette Kotze, a former Protea hockey player, praised her team’s performance, emphasizing the necessity of the win, which was crucial for their quarter-final advancement. The team will face South Gauteng next, perceived as tournament favorites. Kotze believes with their current momentum, they can perform well if they manage the pressure. Lenise Marais, another ex-Protea player and now coach, highlighted the importance of fostering provincial talent and depth for future competitions. Key players included Bianca Rees-Gibbs, who scored twice, and Quincley Norris, who netted the first goal. The U/18 tournament runs until Friday, followed by U/13 and U/16 matches. More details and schedules are available on the South African Hockey Association’s official website.
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