The South African women’s outdoor hockey team has returned from a successful tour of Malaysia, winning three out of four Test matches against the hosts.
This series marked a strong start for new national head coach Inky Zondi, whose team delivered impressive performances at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
Zondi’s Winning Start
Zondi’s tenure began on a high note, with South Africa securing 2-1, 6-1, and 3-2 victories in the first three matches. Malaysia managed to claim a consolation 2-1 win in the final game.
Reflecting on the tour, Zondi said it provided valuable insights into the squad and how they can grow moving forward.
“I thought it was a great tour from an access-to-players point of view and what we’re trying to achieve with the squad going forward,” Zondi said. “I’d say it was very successful.”
The first game was used to introduce new playing ideologies, with noticeable improvements in execution and tactics in the following matches.
“This was a great opportunity to implement our vision not only on the field but also in building a team culture that fosters success by the 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Tactical Growth and Malaysia’s Challenge
Malaysia’s counter-attacking approach posed a challenge for South Africa, with their compact defense and penalty corner proficiency testing the visitors.
“They are very organised and compact, and they’ve developed as a real penalty corner threat,” Zondi explained.
Despite this, he was pleased with the team’s adaptation to their new style of play, particularly their defensive structure and penalty corner execution.
“We’re focusing on being more defensively organised while also capitalising on ball-winning moments,” he said. “We have forwards who can be highly effective in counter-attacking situations, and that’s something we are developing further.”
On the attacking front, Zondi aims to make South Africa a constant threat in the attacking circle, blending creativity and structured play to enhance their goal-scoring opportunities.
Olympic Experience Boosts the Squad
Zondi was able to rely on players who previously starred at the Paris Olympic Games, including Ongeziwe Mali, Onthatile Zulu, and Ntsopa Mokoena.
“The players returning from the Olympic process were instrumental, adapting quickly to our new playing style and even elevating it,” he said.
With a squad built around speed, flair, and structured play, South Africa is shaping up as a formidable force in upcoming tournaments.
Looking Ahead: World Cup Qualifiers & Nations Cup 2
South Africa’s strong performance in Malaysia comes at a crucial time, with two major events on the horizon:
- The continental qualifier for next year’s Hockey World Cup
- The Nations Cup 2, set for June in Poland
As the team continues to refine their playing style and strategy, experiences from this tour will be invaluable in their pursuit of international success.
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