Challenge draws in top hockey teams at Riverside Hockey Club
The Belgotex Challenge reinforced the invaluable role of club hockey in nurturing talent, promoting sportsmanship, and building a stronger, more united sporting community in South Africa.
THE Belgotex Elite Club Challenge has a new name on the honours board as the latest invitee to the tournament, and Central Hockey Club has become the latest team to lift the trophy.
They beat the local team and hosts of the tournament, Riverside Hockey Club (Riverside Rapids),7-1 in the final, despite the best efforts of Dan Sibbald, Jonty Robinson, and the rest of the team.
Ashlin Freddy’s side was imperious from their opening game to the final.
With so much of the focus on the Cassiem brothers and Ryan Julius, it can also go unnoticed that Central are busy building a dynasty of hockey with the young talent shining through.
Central Hockey Club came into the tournament heavily billed as the favourites with their international all-stars returning, but they did not just live up to the expectation; they arguably exceeded it in a tremendous lesson in field hockey for all involved.
In the women’s section, Western Province Cricket Club Beavers (WPCC) clinched the title for their first time, also beating Riverside Hockey Club.
The women slugged it out with WPCC Beavers falling 5–3 at the final hurdle.
Beyond the competitive spirit, the tournament also highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and inclusion.
The event also reinforced the invaluable role of club hockey in nurturing talent, promoting sportsmanship, and building a stronger, more united sporting community in South Africa.
With 14 diverse teams participating in two tournaments, the event captured the hearts of fans and enthusiasts alike, with every game broadcast live on SuperSport Schools.
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