The 2026 South African Indoor Hockey IPT, powered by SPAR & Tops at SPAR, concluded in unforgettable fashion as two finals delivered drama, attacking brilliance and history.
One side defended their crown. Another lifted the trophy for the first time ever.
WOMEN’S A FINAL
Northern Blues 5–3 Western Province
History belongs to Northern Blues. In a pulsating final, the Blues defeated defending champions Western Province 5–3 to claim their first-ever Women’s A Section Indoor IPT title.
The match exploded into life from the opening whistle. Cailie den Bakker struck twice inside the first minute to hand Northern Blues a dream start and stun the defending champions.
Western Province steadied through Malikah Hamza in the 13th minute before Andrea Leader converted a penalty corner in the 24th to level the match at 2–2. The final had found its rhythm.
Cassandra Forbes restored the Blues’ lead in the 26th minute before Leader again responded for WP in the 34th to make it 3–3, setting up a grandstand finish.
But champions are defined in moments and Northern Blues seized theirs.
SA Hockey legend Celia Seerane converted a penalty corner in the 35th minute to swing momentum decisively, and in the final seconds she added another field goal to seal a famous 5–3 victory.
For Northern Blues, it is a landmark triumph, years of growth culminating in a breakthrough national title. A new name is etched into Women’s A Section history.
MEN’S A FINAL
Southern Gauteng 7–5 Western Province
In a breathtaking, high-scoring final, Southern Gauteng defeated Western Province 7–5 to secure back-to-back Men’s A Section titles, underlining their dominance in the indoor game.
The match was relentless from start to finish. JP Britz opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Gerald Mpopo doubled the advantage moments later. Western Province responded through Ozair Pillai to narrow the gap, but Marvin Simmons extended Southern Gauteng’s lead from a penalty corner to make it 3–1.
WP refused to fade. Pillai and Brett Horn combined to bring the match back to 4–4 midway through the third quarter, igniting the contest.
Southern Gauteng responded with the composure of champions. Tyler-Reed Napier restored the lead in the 36th minute before Liam Hermanus struck twice, including a late penalty corner in the final minute, to close out the match.
Western Province added a late goal through Hans Neethling, but the result was already beyond doubt. Seven goals. Depth across the squad. Control in decisive moments.
Southern Gauteng have now successfully defended their title and reaffirmed their status as the benchmark in Men’s Indoor Hockey.
Wrapping up
Elsewhere WP Peninsula secured a bronze medal in the mens tournament defeating hosts KZN Raiders, while it was bronze for Southern Gauteng in the womens tournament after a 4-2 win over Pens.
In the B Section it KZN Mynahs women and KZN Inland men secure promotion to the A Section winning their B Section finals.
Individual Awards
B Section Ladies Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Enyenhle Nzama (KZN Mynahs)
B Section Men’s Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Keagan Vermeulen (KZN Inland)
A Section Ladies Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Sarah Paget (Southern Gauteng)
A Section Men’s Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Sizwe Mthembu (Southern Gauteng)
B Sections Ladies Player of the Tournament
Amy van Rooyen (Northerns Daisies)
B Men’s Player of the Tournament
Luke Barnard (KZN Inland)
A Section Ladies Player of the Tournament
Laiken Brissett (Northern Blues)
A Section Men’s Player of the Tournament
Ryan Mann (Southern Gauteng)
