South Africa sweep honours at Hockey Championship

Accra, July 19, GNA - South Africa emerged the dominant force by sweeping almost all the honours at the just ended Hockey Africa Cup for Nations, Ghana 2009.

The Male and Female South African teams, winners in their respective divisions also ran away with individual honours at the eight day tourney that pieced together the continent's best hockey teams. Midfielder Carr Gareth was named, 'Best Male Player' and 'Overall Best Player of the tournament as well as 'Top Scorer' in the Men's category with eight goals.

Goalie Brendon Botes was named the 'Best Goalkeeper' with Thomas Hammond, the 'Best Defender'. The Men's team was also decorated with the 'Most Exciting Team' award.

The Women's team was also voted the 'Most Exciting Team' of the Tournament, with Shelley Russel winning the 'Top Scorer' Award. Merescia Marsha won the 'Most Prestigious Female Player' of the Tournament, whilst Rix Marriete was voted the 'Best Goalkeeper' of the Tournament. Ghana took consolation in Pamela Condobrey as the 'Defender of the Tournament' (Female) and Elikem Akaba as the 'Most Promising' Male player.

Egyptian El Sabbah Nour Mohamed picked up the 'Most Promising' Player of the Tournament in Female category. The competition was climaxed with a short closing ceremony amidst pyrotechnics and aerotechics to the enthusiastic crowd for a successful ending of an exciting hockey tournament hosted by Ghana. 19 July 09