Mokoena, who hails from Bethlehem in the Free State, scored a hat-trick of goals for the Proteas as they beat Italy 5-0 in their second warm-up match before the FIH Women's Nations Cup.

All three of Mokoena's goals were field goals, as she opened the scoring in the second minute with what was her first-ever goal for South Africa at senior level. She completed her brace in the 39th minute and secured her hat trick in the 49th minute.

The 17-year-old sensation from Bloemfontein, Taheera Augousti, also scored her first goal for South Africa as she hit the backboard from a penalty corner in the 41st minute.

Mokoena and Augousti both made their senior international debuts on Monday night during the 1-1 draw against the very same Italy.

The captain, Quanita Bobbs, also got on the board through a penalty stroke in the 21st minute.

South Africa will face Japan on Sunday evening at 18:30 in their opening match of the Nations Cup, which will be staged in Valencia.

Last week, the South African men earned an invite to play in the Pro League after winning the Nations Cup in Potchefstroom.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport