With the pool stages wrapped up at Cornwall Hill College, the business end of the 2025 SA Hockey Under 21 IPT is officially here. Day 3 delivered drama, dominance, and a few heartbreaks — but ultimately, the top four in each division have now earned the right to battle it out for national glory.
MEN’S SEMI-FINALISTS CONFIRMED
Western Province vs. North West
Western Province had their backs to the wall — needing a strong result to book a semi-final spot — and they delivered in ruthless fashion. A 12-0 demolition of Free State, led by a hat-trick from James Flint, not only secured qualification but top spot in Pool B.
North West, already through after two wins, faced a top-of-the-table clash with Northern Blues. Despite a strong showing, they were edged 2-1, settling for second in Pool A. Corne Burger was the match-winner with a superb brace.
Northern Blues vs. Southern Gauteng
A Gauteng derby will decide the other finalist after Southern Gauteng produced one of their best performances yet. Needing a win to advance, they beat KZN Raiders 7-3 with a balanced team effort — goals coming from Tyler Reed-Napier, Miguel de Jesus, JP Britz, Kristofer Watt (2), Liam Billet, and Nashaan Matroos.
Northern Blues continued their perfect run with a 2-1 win over North West, finishing the group stages as the only unbeaten men’s team.
WOMEN’S SEMI-FINALISTS CONFIRMED
North West vs. Western Province
North West, the defending champions, showed their championship mentality again, coming from 2-1 down at half-time to defeat Southern Gauteng 4-2. Arisha van Niekerk (2) and Emily Wilson turned the tide in a performance that sees them top Pool A.
Western Province had no room for error — and stepped up. They swept past Eastern Province 6-0, with Malikah Hamza and Ruby Kraus both bagging braces to punch their semi-final ticket and claim second in Pool B.
Northern Blues vs. Southern Gauteng
A repeat of the men’s match, and a chance for revenge or redemption. Northern Blues have looked unstoppable, completing the pool stages with three wins from three — their latest a composed 3-0 victory over Free State, featuring goals from Cassandra Forbes, Nicola Meyer, and Emily Macquet.
Southern Gauteng, already qualified before their loss to North West, will now regroup for a massive semi-final showdown.
FRIDAY FIXTURES – SEMI-FINAL TIME
Women’s:
09:30 – 5–8th: Mpumalanga vs Free State
13:00 – 5–8th: KZN Raiders vs Eastern Province
12:30 – Semi-Final: Western Province vs North West
16:00 – Semi-Final: Northern Blues vs Southern Gauteng
Men’s:
10:45 – 5–8th: Eastern Province vs Free State
11:15 – 5–8th: KZN Raiders vs Mpumalanga
14:15 – Semi-Final: Western Province vs North West
17:00 – Semi-Final: Northern Blues vs Southern Gauteng
Eight teams. Four finals spots. One massive Friday ahead.
Every goal now has legacy written all over it.
