Not only did Namibia’s senior women’s hockey team win the Indoor Africa Cup on Sunday, but individual players also walked away with an assortment of accolades from the continental competition.

Namibia defeated South Africa 2-0 in the final of the 2021 Indoor Africa Cup in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa and thereby qualified for next year’s Indoor Hockey World Cup to be held in Belgium.

Besides the team winning the continental trophy, Namibian goalkeeper Petro Stoffberg was chosen as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament and also scooped the prestigious Player of the Tournament accolade for her outstanding performance during the competition.

Meanwhile, the hopes of the Namibian men’s team reaching next year’s World Cup were dashed when they lost 1-4 to South Africa in Sunday’s final. But the individual brilliance of Namibia’s Fagen Hansen saw him bagging the coveted Top Goalscorer of the Tournament accolade.

Sunday’s win also saw the Namibian ladies being crowned African champions for the second consecutive time.

After lifting the trophy, Namibian skipper and stalwart Maggie Mengo said she feels fantastic, amazing and blessed. 

“I don’t really have the words. We sorted out our defensive team and worked hard together. We helped each other and we had each other’s backs. Belgium, here we come! We are representing Africa, so watch out, here we come. Namibia is representing Africa at the world level,” she ecstatically told international media after the event.

- ohembapu@nepc.com.na