South Africa crowned Polocrosse World Cup champions
South Africa narrowly beat reigning champions Australia 29–28 – earning them a third World Cup title.
THE South African team was crowned the winner of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup final on Sunday. The finals concluded the competition, which ran from July 17 to 28 at the Durban Shongweni Club.
In a nail-biting match, the team beat the defending team, Australia, by 29–28. This is South Africa’s third World Cup title.
The Man of the Match was South Africa’s Chad von Beneke.
“It was a tight game all the way through, but our team pulled through in the end. We started a couple of goals down, and Australia came out firing, but it was an unbelievable performance by the South African team. We can’t thank South Africa enough for the support!” he said.
The SA team captain and four-time South Africa World Cup player, Jan Albert Steenkamp, said: “For me, it is the pinnacle of polocrosse to come up against a side as good as [the Australians] are; I feel it brings out the best in players, and it was an honour playing against you today. It’s been an unbelievable day for me as I come to the end of my international career – I couldn’t have scripted it better.”
Sean Bergsma, Group CEO of Ignition Group, said the title sponsors of the event congratulated everyone, from the players to the organisers, on an ‘outstanding event’.
“This is one that we are suitably humbled and really appreciative to be a part of. It was about bringing people together, building new connections and building new friendships. It was an inspiring day to be watching, not only for the players but also for many of the local communities and visitors coming from all over South Africa as well as visitors coming from around the world to see our wonderful country.
“To Team South Africa, you did an amazing job! I’ve been honoured to spend some time with them, and from the leadership and coaches to the players, they’re an amazing team!”
Dr Manfred Rohwer, president of The Polocrosse Association of South Africa, extended his gratitude to the SA team for winning the world title.
“I would like to thank the South African supporters for coming out, and to all of the organisers over the last year – this has been a fantastic achievement. I’m so proud!”
The SA Men’s Coach, James Hackland, said he was proud of his team for giving their best and coming out as world champs.
2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup Rankings:
1. South Africa
2. Australia
3. Zambia
4. New Zealand
5. Ireland
6. Zimbabwe
7. United Kingdom
8. United States of America
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