The South African Hockey Association, in partnership with Hoërskool Menlopark, will welcome the Canada Women’s National Field Hockey Team to Pretoria for a five-match international series starting this week.
The series is an important milestone for both nations as they begin shaping their plans for the 2026 season. For the South Africa Women’s National Field Hockey Team, this series signals the start of an exciting new chapter following their African Cup of Nations triumph, which secured qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup.
It is the first opportunity for the South Africans to test combinations, build depth, and lay down early standards as they begin their World Cup journey.
For Canada, the tour to South Africa is a vital part of their final preparation ahead of the World Cup Qualifier in Chile at the end of February. Facing a competitive African champion side in away conditions will provide invaluable match exposure as they look to sharpen their game against high-intensity opposition.
With South Africa currently ranked 20th in the world and Canada just one place behind in 21st, the series promises to be evenly matched throughout. The narrow ranking gap highlights just how competitive these encounters are expected to be, with both teams eager to gain momentum, confidence, and valuable world ranking points.
Fans can look forward to fast-paced international hockey, passionate home support, and a rare chance to see world-class women’s hockey up close in Pretoria. Five matches, one venue, and plenty at stake as both teams build towards their biggest challenges of 2026.
Tickets will be available at the gate, general admission at R30, and HS Menlopark students in uniform and kids under 12 are allowed free entry.
2026 South Africa vs Canada 5-Test Women’s Hockey International Series at Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria, Gauteng
9 January – 18h00
10 January – 16h00
11 January – 10h00
16 January – 18h00
17 January – 12h00
Original Copy: Hockey South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Members of the South African women’s hockey team sing the national anthem at Ismailia in Egypt in October last year, prior to the African champs final against Ghana. South African Hockey Association will host Canada in a five-match international series starting at HS Menlopark in Pretoria on Friday, 9 January, 2026. File Photo: SA Hockey
