The South African national men’s (against Egypt) and women’s (against Ghana) teams won their respective Greenfields Africa Hockey Championship finals, at the Randburg Hockey Stadium, on Sunday, November 1.
Eustice, who clinched the same title with the men’s side in Kenya, two years ago, said it was “truly amazing” to win in front of a home crowd.
The men’s team was made to work hard in their dramatic 4-2 victory against the Egyptians.
“The Egyptians seemed to have gained a great deal of confidence over the past four months, especially after they beat us in Cape Town in the World League Round Two,” Eustice said.
“We conceded two really soft goals against them, but we worked hard to get back into the game and, with some incredible drag flicks from our penalty corner specialist Matt Guise-Brown, we got in front and took control.”
Asked about the standard of hockey and the improvements made in recent times, Eustice commented: “For the first time ever, nine men’s teams and six women’s teams participated in the African Championship.
“Many of these teams, however, haven’t been in international competition for a long time and when they played against the top teams they were really shown up and conceded a lot of goals.
“The standard is improving, though, and if we can get more competitive games against these nations we could seriously see a more competitive championship in years to come.”
A contingent of supporters from BNJH made their way out to Randburg for the final, which Eustice described as “special.”
“I hope that gives them the belief that they, too, can play for South Africa as I have done, especially coming from Benoni and the Benoni Northerns junior section.
“Their support was amazing and I can definitely say that it helped me to play and fight harder to win the African Cup.”
With Sascoc again reiterating that the men’s and women’s teams would not qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics through the continental route, Eustice and company will not be flying the flag at the showpiece sports event.
“It is disappointing that neither team can participate in Rio,” he said.
“I have watched my friends participate at the Olympics in 2008 and then again in 2012, so I would have loved to have been part of it myself and have made a dream come true.
CLICK HERE for SASCOC’s press release regarding the 2016 Rio Olympic Games selection criteria.
Previous articles about Jethro Eustice in 2015:
