Her team the Proteas have just returned from Durban after competing in the thrilling 2015 Polocrosse World Cup where they defeated seven international teams.
Polocrosse is a mixture of polo and lacrosse which is played on a horse’s back, with each team consisting of eight players, four men and four ladies.
The Protea team which is currently ranked number one in the world defeated Zambia in the finals held on July 12 at the Durban Shongweni Club to be the title holders. The event saw over 5,000 spectators who turned up to enjoy the final day’s actions where the South African team successfully defended their 2011 title in the all-African final.
An on-form Zambian side came out flying in the finals where they were quick to put goals on the scoreboard. The showdown proved to be a nail-biting affair with a goal scored every 52 seconds. The situation shifted in favour of The Proteas when the ladies team came out and scored five goals earlier on which proved to be a game changer. The Protea men continued the charge to secure victory ahead of Zambia with 32 goals to 23.
“Today has been a great milestone in South African Polocrosse history. The Protea’s have now won the World Cup title twice in a row. It has been an honour for me to end my time as the International Polocrosee Council (IPC) President on a high note with South Africa proving that they are the champions. I would like to thank every player from across the world for a great event,” said Wessel Strauss, the President of IPC.
Jacobs commands her 82 year old grand mother Dawn Van Wyk who introduced her to the sport at a very young age. Van Wyk started playing the sport in 1948 leading her to be the first South African to play the game. “I am very excited to have been part of a team that was crowned as the champions yet again after weeks of hard work,” said Jacobs.
She also added that preparing for this prestigious event was not easy as she had been very busy for the past weeks preparing herself mentally, keeping fit by running, going to the gym, riding horses frequently, attending squad camps and using ‘eye gym’ religiously. “Thanks to Dr. Sherylle Calder of eye gym, Sport psychologist Dr. Kirsten Van Heerden and my team members for the support through out the contest,” said Jacobs.
President of the Polocrosse Association of South Africa Andre Truter concluded by saying ‘We should be a proud nation because seeing an all-African final on African soil meant that South Africa were meant to be winners. “I would like to salute our team for converting the pressure that they were under into focus and determination which saw them becoming crowned champions.”
The final score of the World Cup was South Africa 32 and Zambia 23.
As her favourite saying goes “I’m better than I was yesterday but not as good as I will be tomorrow”. Clearly Jacobs has a bright future ahead in this sport.
