Leila Grögli Double Sinks South Africa in Opening Indoor Test
The Spar South African women’s indoor hockey team began their five-match series against Namibia with a 3–0 defeat at the Sports Facilitation Centre at the Windhoek Showgrounds in Windhoek, Namibia on Friday, 9 October 2026.
A brace from Leila Grögli and a fourth-quarter strike from Amber Dercksen secured victory for the hosts, leaving South Africa chasing a response in Saturday’s double-header.
The evening nevertheless marked an important milestone for four South African players. Jehan Abrahams, Anja Tromp, Jodie Blows and goalkeeper Manisha Desai all made their international indoor debuts, beginning their journeys in the green and gold.
After a goalless opening quarter, Namibia broke the deadlock in the 13th minute through Leila Grögli. Her field goal proved the only score of the first half, with the hosts taking a narrow 1–0 advantage into the interval.
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Leila Grögli struck again in the 24th minute to double Namibia’s lead. South Africa earned three penalty corners during the third quarter but were unable to find the breakthrough, heading into the final period two goals behind.
Dercksen added Namibia’s third in the 34th minute. A further three South African penalty corners in the closing quarter brought no reward, as the hosts completed the victory without conceding.
South Africa finished with six penalty corners to Namibia’s three, with all six of their opportunities coming after half-time. Converting those chances will be an important area to improve as the visitors look to level the series. Namibia, meanwhile, scored all three of their goals from open play.
For head coach Calvin Price’s side, the opening result provides an early challenge in a demanding weekend of international hockey. With four debutants now having their first taste of Test action, attention turns to building on that experience and delivering a stronger performance in the next encounter.
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The series continues on Saturday, 10 October, with the second Test at 12h00 and the third at 19h30. Both matches will be streamed live on Gravity’s YouTube channel.
The Namibia vs. South Africa Women’s Indoor Hockey Test Series at the Sports Facilitation Centre, Windhoek Showgrounds from 9 to 11 October 2026
Fri 9 Oct, 19h00: Namibia 3–0 South Africa, Scorers: Leila Grögli (13′, 24′), Amber Dercksen (34′)
Sat 10 Oct, 12h00: Namibia vs. South Africa Indoor Test 2
Sat 10 Oct, 19h30: Namibia vs. South Africa Indoor Test 3
Sun 11 Oct, 11h00: Namibia vs. South Africa Indoor Test 4
Sun 11 Oct, 17h00: Namibia vs. South Africa Indoor Test 5
Original Copy: SA Hockey, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Spar South African women’s indoor hockey team sings the national anthem before the opening Test against Namibia, in which Jehan Abrahams, Anja Tromp, Jodie Blows and goalkeeper Manisha Desai made their international indoor debuts, at the Sports Facilitation Centre at the Windhoek Showgrounds in Windhoek, Namibia on Friday, 9 October 2026. All Photos: Namibia Hockey
Photo 2 Caption: Namibia’s Jahntwa Kruger carries the ball on the attack just outside the South African D in the opening Test in Windhoek.
Crédito: Link de origem