Taheera Augousti, Kayla Swarts, Antonet Louw and Ntsopa Mokoena made their debuts in the match that is being used to prepare for the upcoming International Hockey Federation (FIH) Nations Cup. 

While Swarts was still at school in Bloemfontein last year, she is now playing for Maties in Stellenbosch.

Augousti is still at school at Eunice, while Louw is a product of Oranje, and Mokoena attended Voortrekker in Bethlehem.

The match in Spain ended in a 1-1 draw.

The two teams will face each other again on Wednesday in a second warm-up game and this match will commence at 17:30.

Camila Machin put Italy in the lead in the 12th minute of the match with a penalty corner, while Kristen Paton levelled matters for South Africa in the 36th minute.

South Africa is in Pool B for the Nations Cup along with Chile, India and Japan. The Proteas will face Japan at 18:30 on Sunday evening in their opening match.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport