Arrival in Holland

Our players and team officials landed as scheduled and were greeted by tournament organizers upon arrival. The transition from the airport to the athlete accommodation was seamless, thanks to the careful planning and coordination of our travel team and the welcoming efforts of local volunteers. Everyone has settled in comfortably, and morale is high as we looked forward to the days ahead.

The host facilities exceeded our expectations, offering excellent amenities, secure storage for equipment, and convenient access to the competition venues. The athletes were able to rest, recover from the journey, and acclimate to the local environment. Strong lines of communication with event officials were established, ensuring that our teams were supported at every stage.

The opening ceremony

On Sunday, 17th August, the tournament officially began with a vibrant and memorable opening ceremony. The event was held in the main auditorium, adorned with flags and banners representing the participating nations. Athletes, coaches, and officials gathered to celebrate the spirit of international competition, unity, and fair play.

South Africa’s contingent proudly marched under our national flag, radiating enthusiasm and determination. The ceremony featured speeches from dignitaries and the formal declaration of the tournament’s opening. Our players were inspired by the collective energy and the opportunity to represent South Africa on the global stage

Community and Team Spirit

Beyond the pool, our contingent has fostered a sense of camaraderie and national pride. Athletes and officials have taken time to engage with competitors from other nations, forging friendships and broadening horizons. The South African teams have been commended for their positive attitude, respectful conduct, and willingness to support each other, both inside and outside the playing arena.

Parents, supporters, and fans back home have sent messages of encouragement, which have been shared with the players. These words of support have reinforced the athletes’ resolve and reminded them of the broader community cheering them on.

Friendly games and warm-ups

Before the official commencement of the tournament, our teams participated in two days of friendly matches. These warm-up sessions proved invaluable, allowing players to adjust to the competition pool, test their equipment, and refine team strategies. The games were conducted in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, with athletes from various countries engaging in friendly rivalry and mutual encouragement.

Our coaching staff took advantage of these opportunities to observe rival teams, assess tactical approaches, and make final adjustments to lineups and game plans. The friendly matches also helped foster team unity, strengthen interpersonal bonds, and ease pre-tournament nerves. As a result, our athletes entered the main event with renewed confidence and a clear sense of purpose.

Final results: After a tough semi-final, the team rallied to play-off for 3rd/4th place and a hard-fought game resulted in a loss. All players and coach earned a respectable 4th placing overall.