South Africa Beat Australia for Famous First-Ever Nkosi Cup Title
History was made on home soil as South Africa completed a memorable tournament that delivered everything promised and more to thrill the packed stands where raw emotion, moments of brilliance and a gold medal performance underlined South Africa’s rise as a global indoor hockey force, at the Wynberg Military Base Stadium in Cape Town, on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
The Spar South Africa women showed their intent from the opening whistle, and they could not have started better as the experienced Edith Molikoe fired the hosts into the lead inside the opening two minutes.
South Africa were flying and doubled their advantage with a moment of real quality as Tatum Kroutz finished superbly for a field goal over the shoulder of Australian goalkeeper Tegan Neowhouse to make it 2-0.
But Australia, unbeaten through the group stage, showed their resilience. A penalty corner allowed Kaitlyn Lee to pull one back a minute later, and on the stroke of the break Emma Scriven levelled matters to send the sides into the interval at 2-2.
The second half began with South Africa creating the better chances. Malikah Hamza missed narrowly from a penalty corner before making no mistake from the penalty stroke soon after, restoring the hosts’ lead.
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Despite their dominance, South Africa were unable to extend the margin and Australia remained within touching distance. A yellow card against Lee in the 36th minute made the Australian task tougher, but they still threatened, only to be denied by a huge one-on-one save from Player of the Match, keeper Sarah Paget.
Moments later, South Africa earned a penalty corner and Cerian Fourie rocketed home to give the hosts breathing space. Paget again came up big as Australia pushed forward late, and although Annelyse Tevant pulled one back to make it 4-3, South Africa held on to secure a famous victory and lift the Nkosi Cup for the first time.
Namibia walked their Women’s Bronze Medal Match 6-1 against New Zealand, claiming the bronze medal in fitting style, led by a brace from stalwart Jerrica Bartlett in her final international appearance.
Player of the MatchTamara Grogli also scored twice, while Kiana-Che Cormack and Danje Meyer added to the tally. New Zealand found a consolation through Emily Brun as Namibia closed their campaign on a high.
Nkosi Cup 2025 Final Standings
1. South Africa
2. Australia
3. Namibia
4. New Zealand
5. Zimbabwe
Individual Awards
Top Goalscorer: Malikah Hamza (South Africa)
Best Goalkeeper: Emma Leighton (Australia)
Best Player: Malikah Hamza (South Africa)
South Africa
2 Jamie Southgate (C)
5 Tatum Kroutz
6 Daniella de Oliveira
7 Edith Molikoe
10 Chelsey Woolf
11 Cerian Fourie
13 Ashleigh Thomas
15 Malikah Hamza
16 Jessica Lardant
17 Laikén Brisset
20 Charlize Swanepoel (GK)
25 Sarah Paget (GK)
Australia
1 Brooke Welsh
3 Caitlin Burns
10 Ella White
12 Annelyse Tevant
15 Emma Scriven
16 Emma Leighton (GK)
17 Erin Burns
21 Jamie Zimmerman
24 Kaitlyn Lee
25 Kelsey Hughes
28 Samantha Economos (C)
31 Tegan Neowhouse (GK)
Original Copy: South Africa Hockey, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: History was made on home soil as South Africa completed a memorable tournament that delivered everything promised and more to thrill the packed stands where raw emotion, moments of brilliance and a gold medal performance underlined South Africa’s rise as a global indoor hockey force, at the Wynberg Military Base Stadium in Cape Town, on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. All Photos: NS Pics 7
Photo 2 Caption: Edith Molikoe was lightning-fast to fire the tournament hosts into an early lead within the opening minutes of the starting whistle.
Photo 3 Caption: Player of the Tournament Malikah Hamza re-established South Africa’s lead from a 25th-minute Penalty Stroke.
Crédito: Link de origem