South Africa sweep awards …In 9th AfHF Nations Cup
African hockey elite, South Africa, demonstrated high level brilliance in the just-ended AfHF Cup of Nations, and consequently clinched almost all the prestigious awards at stake, in a colourful closing ceremony at the national hockey stadium, Accra on Saturday.
They confirmed their superiority over their arch-rivals Egypt, by beating them 4-1 in the final to lift the trophy, having gone past them 2-1 in the group stage.
Similarly, their female side thumped Ghana 5-1 to retain the title.
It was the male's fifth successive nations cup triumph, having won it in Kenya (1993), South Africa (1996), Zimbabwe (2000) and South Africa (2005).
In a similar manner, it was their female team's fourth straight win, after winning the South Africa, Zimbabwe and South Africa editions in '94, '98, and '05 respectively.
South Africa's hard- tackling defender, Thomas Hammam, finished as the top defender, Bredon Botes won the top goalkeeper award, dexterous Gareth Carr won the top scorer award with eight goals, as well as winning the player of the tournament award, Carr crowned his efforts with the overall best player.
As if that was not enough, they grabbed the overall best team award, while their female team won the J.E.A Mills Fair Play award. It was a beautiful spectacle to behold the handing over of the giant trophy to skipper Smith Austin by the Minister of Youth and sports Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, which was characterized by fire works and wild cheers from the jam-packed spectators.
Ghana finished third, and had a consolation of winning the most promising player award which went to Elikem Akaba.
South Africa's female goalkeeper Rix Mariette won the top goalkeeper award, skipper Marescia Marsha won the overall best player award, with the top scorer award going to Russel Shelly.
Ghana's Stalwart defender Pamela Condobrey won the female top prize award, while Egypt's intelligent Nour Elsabah Mohammed emerged as the female promising player.
The first three teams were decorated with gold, silver and bronze medals in both the male and female categories