By KARIEM HASSAN
SOUTH Africa were in an uncompromising mood when they whipped Namibia 6-1 in their African Youth Olympic Qualifier boys’ hockey encounter at Kat Leisure Park in East London before an enthusiastic crowd yesterday.
Namibia were thrown on the backfoot from the outset and were on the retreat for much of the match, as SA’s young guns ran at them at every turn.
Namibia did have the occasional chance, but lacked that finishing touch when it mattered. South Africa’S U17 side were up 1-0 as early as the sixth minute, when Chad Cairncross pounced on a loose ball in a melee to score from close in.
And when East London’s young hockey firebrand Ignatius Malgraff steered the ball past Handre Bezuidenhout five minutes later, the writing was on the wall for the Namibians. Goals flowed in, and by the end of first half the score was 5-0 with further goals from Grant Glutz (two), and a gem from Louis Mbuyu.
The game by then was over as a contest. South Africa kept the pressure on their opponents in the second half, but failed to finish off their innumerable chances before goal.
The skilful Glutz got his third goal in the 12th minute of the second period as Namibia’s defence struggled to hold the South Africans who by now were attacking in waves. Namibia got a consolation goal in the dying seconds of the match when Anatie Hans scored from a penalty corner after the hooter went, but it was way too little, too late.
Earlier Ghana proved they are going to be a force to be reckoned with, as they obliterated Kenya 4-0 in a show of blistering speed, skilful stickwork and powerful strikes.
Ghana gave notice with their performance they are out to make an impact in this competition and their attack-minded approach will prove bothersome for defences. Luke Damalie, Johnny Botsio (two) and Arthur Ebenezer got the goals to break Kenyan hearts.
Fancied Egypt lived up to the pre-tournament billing by beating Zimbabwe 5-1. Ahmed Karem (two), Reda Ahmed (two) and Atel Mohamed did the damage for Egypt, while Zimbabwe’s reply came via Tatenda Bhunu’s field goal.
It may be early days but it looks like a three-horse race, with South Africa, Ghana and Egypt showing clear intent on day one.
The girls’ group clash between Kenya and Zimbabwe at Buffalo Flats was a dour battle between two teams who battled to gain the upper hand in the exchanges.
Zimbabwe, however, showed more commitment anywhere near the circle. Neither attack could get past their opposing keepers, but Kenya should thank their goalkeeper Cynthia Onyango for literally putting her body on the line with some determined stops. Zimbabwe got the breakthrough in the 20th minute of the second half when Roxanne Viviers let rip near the circle to score the only goal of the match.
Ghana had a tough time against Namibia and went down 1-0 to Michelle van Zyl’s field goal.
go ghana….nigel kumi