Several Benoni hockey players represented South Africa at the World Masters Hockey World Cup in Cape Town, from October 11 to 22.
The tournament featured nine divisions, including five men’s, two women’s and two mixed divisions, which offered these experienced players, all part of Benoni Northerns Hockey Club (BNHC), an opportunity to continue showcasing their talent and passion for the sport.
South Africa ended the tournament with three medals – a historic gold medal in the women’s over-35, silver in the men’s over-35s and another gold for the men’s over-40 team.
The men’s over 35-IMC team won the IMC cup while the men’s and women’s over-40 teams were second, and the men’s over-65 team finished fourth.
Results
The women’s over-35 team struck gold with a 4-1 win over the Netherlands to win the country’s first world championship women’s hockey medal in any division.
The team, which conceded a single goal in the entire competition, included former Eastern Gauteng player and Benoni High School (BHS) learner, striker Jaclyn Capazario.
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“A special thanks to Mrs T Bekker from BHS who was an instrumental part of the ladies’ hockey careers. She introduced Astro to Benoni, made it possible for the girls to switch from grass and encouraged us to play provincial hockey,” said former BHS and Easterns player Candice Cairns.
The men’s over-35 IMC side, captained by David Fink, won the IMC Cup after beating Australia 2-1 in the final. The team also included locals Dyllan Chandler, Jarred Teixeira and goalkeeper Mark Repsold.
Sharing his experience in the competition, Repsold explained representing the country was a moment he would never forget.
“It was a great journey filled with memories. Representing my country with my family supporting me is something I will never forget.
“Becoming a family with my teammates on this journey was also incredible and playing Australia in the final and coming out as victors with the gold medal was special,” he said.
Fink recounted a moment in their opening game, a 4-4 draw with Germany, where he made a crucial move that led to the goal of the tournament which has since gone viral with 185 000 views.
“I threw a monster overhead D to D and our forward, Gavin Jelly, tapped into the goals. I worked for many years perfecting the overhead and to be able to throw it that far with that precision is no easy feat. I am very proud,” Fink said.
The men’s over-35s, featuring Kyle Cameron, were drawn in group B and started their campaign with a 3-1 against France.
They humbled South Africa 4-0 before losing 4-0 to Australia and then defeated Germany 5-2 in the quarters. In the semis, they thrashed New Zealand 6-0 before losing the final to England 4-3.
The men’s and women’s over-40 IMC teams, which included Benonians Colin Merifield, Benjamin Stuthridge and Kim Jones clinched silvers.
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