The South African Women’s Hockey Team began their campaign at the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 with a 2-nil loss to Uruguay in a challenging opening encounter in Gniezno, Poland, on Monday, 16 June 2025.
While the result was not what the team had hoped for, the occasion marked several important milestones. Hannah Pearce, a rock at the back for the national side, celebrated her 50th cap — a significant achievement for one of South Africa’s most dependable defenders.
It was also a day of firsts, as three players — Shanna Medonca, Daniella de Oliveira, and Cerian Fourie — earned their senior international debuts, stepping proudly onto the global stage.
The game also signalled the start of a new era under head coach Inky Zondi, who leads the team into this next chapter with a focus on development, structure, and renewed ambition.
Unfortunately, it was Uruguay who settled quickest, taking control of the game early on. Manuela Vilar proved to be the difference, striking twice in the first half with well-taken goals that gave the South Americans a firm grip on the match.
South Africa, though full of intent and energy, were unable to find their rhythm in the attacking third and struggled to convert possession into genuine scoring opportunities.
To their credit, the South Africans showed greater composure in the second half, shoring up defensively and producing several promising moments going forward. But Uruguay’s disciplined defence held firm, and South Africa were ultimately unable to mount a comeback.
With the opening match now behind them, attention turns to the next challenge — a must-perform clash against Malaysia at 4pm CAT on Tuesday, where the team will be looking to bounce back, sharpen their attacking play, and turn promising build-up into goals.
Fixtures and Results for the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2 Poland
Mon 16 Jun 2025: Italy 3 – 3 Wales
Mon 16 Jun 2025: France 3 – 0 Czechia
Mon 16 Jun 2025: South Africa 0 – 2 Uruguay
Mon 16 Jun 2025: Malaysia 0 – 0 Poland
Tue 17 Jun 2025 (12:00): Wales vs Czechia
Tue 17 Jun 2025 (14:00): France vs Italy
Tue 17 Jun 2025 (16:00): Malaysia vs South Africa
Tue 17 Jun 2025 (18:00): Uruguay vs Poland
Thu 19 Jun 2025 (12:00): Italy vs Czechia
Thu 19 Jun 2025 (14:00): Wales vs France
Thu 19 Jun 2025 (16:00): Uruguay vs Malaysia
Thu 19 Jun 2025 (18:00): South Africa vs Poland
Sat 21 Jun 2025 (12:00): 5th-8th
Sat 21 Jun 2025 (14:15): 5th-8th
Sat 21 Jun 2025 (16:30): Semi-Final I
Sat 21 Jun 2025 (18:45): Semi-Final 2
Sun 22 Jun 2025 (12:00): 7th-8th
Sun 22 Jun 2025 (14:15): 5th-6th
Sun 22 Jun 2025 (16:30): 3rd-4th
Sun 22 Jun 2025 (18:45): Final
Pool A
Malaysia
Poland
South Africa
Uruguay
Pool B
Czechia
France
Italy
Wales
SA Women’s Squad – FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2
Aphiwe Dimba
Cailynn Den Bakker
Cerian Fourie
Charné Maddocks
Danielia de Oliveira
Edith Molikoe
Hannah Pearce
Jean-Leigh du Toit
Kayla de Waal
Lerato Mahole
Marlise van Tonder
Ntsopa Mokoena
Ongeziwe Mali
Onthatile Zulu
Quanita Bobbs
Shanna Mendonca
Stephanie Botha
Tegan Fourie
Original Copy: Hockey SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: South African captain Edith Molikoe races forward controlling the ball during their 2-0 loss to Uruguay in their opening FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2 fixture in Gniezno, Poland, on Monday, 16 June, 2025. All Photos: FIH / World Sport Pics
Photo 2 Caption: Danielia de Oliveira shoots as Uruguay successfully defends one of South Africa’s four penalty corners during the match.
Photo 3 Caption: Magdalena Gomez’s reverse-stick shot for Uruguay defended by South Africa goal keeper Marlise van Tonder.
