By: Joviita Kandjumbwa
A test series for the books for Namibia.
The Namibia Hockey Union hosted a three day international Hockey Indoor Test Series against South Africa at the Windhoek Show grounds indoor hockey arena over the past weekend.
Namibia started off the series with a victory 2-0 against South Africa followed by a 2-1 win in the second test to conclude Day one, on a high note.
Day two saw both teams levelled, unable to split the points after playing both matches to a draw. Test three Namibia 2-2 South Africa, Test Four Namibia 4-4 South Africa.
On the final day of the series South Africa fought hard to get a first win, winning by a single goal against Namibia. Despite Namibia losing the final test match, they won the overall test by 2-1. A first for the Namibian Hockey ladies to win a test series against South Africa.
Vice-captain of Namibia Sunelle Ludwig was crowned the player of the series, while Namibia’s Petro Stoffberg was awarded goalkeeper of the series and Azaylee Philander of Namibia scored the most goals (8 goals) of the series.
Speaking at the games, Coach Erwin Handura expressed his satisfaction with the ladies performance, “it’s good that we could win two of the five matches and lost one, it shows that our preparation for the world cup are on the right track, we still have some work to do but pretty happy with the efforts so far” said Handura.
This international test series also served as preparation for the Indoor World Cup next year and the Union is planning on possibly hosting one more tournament at home before the world cup and a European tour, said Reagon Graig NHU president.
This test series also marked the last international game for Magreth “Magy” Mengo on home soil as she plans to retire at the end of the Indoor Hockey World cup, scheduled for the 5th to the 11th of February 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa.
An emotional Mengo who is the team’s captain reflected on her journey which she descried as “phenomenal”.
“Namibia has carried me, a special thank you to my coach he started hockey with me, thank you to the executives, all the sponsors MTC, Standard Bank, NAMDIA, DTA, K5. Thank you God for blessing me with this talent and carrying me” said Mengo.
Handura praised Mengo for being a brilliant leader on and off the field, being a champion in acquiring funds for the team stating that since 2015 the women never had to pay for any expenses because of Mengo’s efforts. “It is a blessing to have Magy as a captain”.