The pool stage has reached its conclusion and the business end of the tournament now awaits us as the Quarter Finals await at St. Stithians College on Thursday. Here is how the tournaments line up.
WOMENS A SECTION
QF1 – South Africa U21 vs. Free State
The two teams’ journeys have been very different so far, but both will know when they meet the history of the tournament counts for nothing. The National Juniors finished top of Pool A winning three out of three thanks to the defeat of SG Witsies on Wednesday. For Free State a much better performance today still saw them fall 1-0 to KZN Raiders and they are still looking for their first goal of the tournament.
QF2 – North West vs. Southern Gauteng
North West finished second in the pool by virtue of goal difference ahead of Western Province. They secured this spot with a draw against the defending champions on Wednesday, although they were disappointed to concede a last-minute equalizer in that game. Their defense has been solid so far. Southern Gauteng looked fantastic in the opening game but fell the wrong side of tight games against the Raiders and today against the Northern Blues. This promises to be an absolute classic of a quarter final.
QF3 – Western Province vs. KZN Raiders
It hasn’t been the perfect tournament for the defending champions, missing several players they have not quite lived up to the performances of 12 months ago. However, they have looked better since their opening game defeat against the SA U21 side, and you can bet that KZN Raiders will not feel overly excited by this match up. The Raiders will fancy themselves having come out on top in two tight back-to-back games against Southern Gauteng and Free State.
QF4 – SG Witsies vs. Northern Blues
Northern Blues have lived up to their all-star billing with players all over the park standing out in the pool stages. They have looked dangerous from the set piece and their three wins out of three puts them clearly under the column as a favourite. Witsies will know the battle awaits as they have only tasted defeat so far, but they will also know that on their day they have the talent and potential to cause a shock to their northern neighbours.
MENS A SECTION
QF1 – Western Province vs. Eastern Province
Western Province, the defending champions, opened their campaign with a draw but on Wednesday secured a second victory with a convincing 5-0 win over Pens. That win saw them secure top spot-on goal difference and they now play Eastern Province. The men from the coast have been competitive in every game but have failed to take the victory so far. They will have a massive challenge against a well drilled Western Province side.
QF2 – KZN Raiders vs. Northern Blues
Raiders come through the group stage undefeated having finished off with a 6-3 win over Witsies. Northern Blues themselves showed in a 4-2 defeat to Southerns that they have a lot of threat including their duo of Olympians. For Raiders they will want to continue their goal scoring prowess having topped the scoring charts with 12 goals so far. It promises to be a thrilling game between the two.
QF3 – WP Peninsula vs. South Africa U21
The SA U21 side continue to improve in the tournament and led by youngster Reuben Sendzul have started to show score some incredible goals. They have a solid backline with the solid Damian Knott ahead of an improving defense. Pens have their own weapons including James Flint at Penalty corner time. They will be a difficult fixture for the SA U21 side and will fancy themselves at a potential upset.
QF4 – SG Witsies vs. Southern Gauteng
It’s a Southerns derby that rounds off the Quarter Finals with Witsies taking on Southerns. Southerns are the only team with a 100% record having won all three of their games so far. They have only conceded four goals in a performance built on brilliant defense and two very good goalkeepers. For Witsies their skipper Brynn Cleak may be central to their chances of a first win in the tournament and a massive upset.
by South Africa
