The South African Hockey5s Women knew they had already at least emulated the best ever South African achievement at an FIH World Cup by qualifying for the top 4, they were determined to try and make history as they challenged the Polish for the Bronze medal at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup.
It was however the Europeans who were the dominant force in the first half and they opened the score. A momentary pause from the South African defence was capitalised on by the Polish striker Katerla hit in an instinctive goal. It’s a name the South Africans would start to dread as she double the score when she was afforded space and fired home. Poland made it 3-0 before the half-time break, but the umpires correctly disallowed the goal to give the South Africans a spark.
Katerla, who had been denied on two challenges already, found her hat-trick when she finally beat Cochrane at the second attempt to stretch the lead to 3-0. South Africa was given a beacon of hope when Dirkie Chamberlain scored after great work from Izelle Cilliers.
Katerla would continue her starring role after missing a good chance to score a sublime goal and despite Toni Marks netting her 11th of the tournament it was only a consolation goal for the Africans who had to settle for the bittersweet taste of fourth place.
In the final of the tournament the Netherlands secured the maiden title in a big win over India to ensure they hold all of the FIH trophies currently available in women’s hockey.
FIH Hockey5s World Cup 2024 – Final Standings
- Netherlands
- India
- Poland
- South Africa
- Uruguay
- Malaysia
- Ukraine
- New Zealand
- United States
- Namibia
- Australia
- Fiji
- Thailand
- Paraguay
- Zambia
- Oman
Awards
Best Player – Noor de Baat (Netherlands)
Top Goal scorer – Teresa Viana (Uruguay)
Best Goalkeeper – Marta Kucharska (Poland)
Best Junior Player – Soreng Deepika (India)
by South Africa
