South African Hockey have named a 20-strong squad to compete at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Spain and Netherlands in July. The 2022 event marks the seventh consecutive appearance for the Proteas, who booked their spot with a victory in Ghana at the African Cup of Nations.
It’s the first tournament under Giles Bonnet, who was reappointed to the position. The team features a number of Olympians including triple Olympian Lisa Deetlefs who has reversed her decision to retire from International hockey. She is joined in the squad by Tokyo 2020 teammates Phumi Mbande, Edith Molikoe, Marizen Marais, Kristen Paton, Robyn Johnson, Onthatile Zulu, Erin Christie, Lilian du Plessis, Quanita Bobbs and Tarryn Lombard. Bernadette Coston, who played in the 2012 Olympics under Bonnet is also included.
There are four uncapped players and Jean-Leigh Du Toit, Kayla de Waal and Christa Ramasimong all will have the opportunity to add senior international caps to the Junior Caps they have already received.
Giles Bonnet, head coach, said: “I have seen tremendous effort and energy from the team since my return to the post. We know we face a tough challenge at the World Cup against some superb opponents, but we are excited for the opportunity. I am pleased with the team we have put together, there is a healthy mixture of youth and experience. We believe that we have the right tools at our disposal to go to Terrassa and compete against the best.”
South Africa are in Pool D alongside Australia, Belgium and Japan and will be based in Terrassa in Spain.
SQUAD
Quanita Bobbs (142 caps), Marizen Marais (36), Erin Christie (63), Phumelela Mbande (GK, 57), Bernadette Coston (155), Edith Molikoe (5), Kayla De Waal (0), Kristen Paton (43), Lisa-Marie Deetlefs (271), Hannah Pearce (16), Lilian Du Plessis (145), Christa Ramasimong (0), Jean-Leigh Du Toit (0), Nepo Serage (GK, 0), Robyn Johnson (29), Shindre-Lee Simmons (5), Tarryn Lombard (52), Bianca Wood (12), Hanrie Louw (5), Onthatile Zulu (14)
Reserves: Kirsty Adams, Charne Maddocks, Sylvia van Jaarsveldt
SA FIXTURES
3 July: vs Belgium
5 July: vs Japan
6 July: vs Australia