The Proteas opened their four-match Test series against their neighbours on a winning note as they continue their preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, where they will face England, China and India in a challenging pool.

With the World Cup fast approaching, the series against Namibia provides the South African coaching staff with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations, build momentum and settle on the squad that will head to the global showpiece.

Ntsopa Mokoena's 50th cap is celebrated with a goal - ACK Sports Photography

South Africa dominated possession from the opening whistle, but despite controlling much of the early play, they battled to create clear-cut chances inside the shooting circle. Their persistence eventually paid off when Kayla de Waal broke the deadlock. She turned sharply inside the circle before beating goalkeeper Petro Stoffberg with a well-placed low finish at the near post.

The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and doubled their advantage in the second quarter from a penalty corner. Hannah Pearce produced a powerful drag flick that flew past Stoffberg to register her sixth international goal and hand the Proteas a deserved 2-0 lead.

Namibia responded well after falling behind, disrupting South Africa's rhythm and making life more difficult for the hosts with disciplined defending. While the visitors enjoyed more possession during the second quarter, they were unable to breach the South African defence, allowing the Proteas to take their two-goal cushion into the half-time break.

Pearce struck again after the restart to all but put the result beyond doubt. After Namibia initially dealt with another penalty corner, the ball fell kindly during the second phase and Pearce calmly guided her effort into the far corner to complete her brace.

The Bloemfontein born-and-bred Taheera Augousti - ACK Sports Photography

The moment of the afternoon, however, belonged to Mokoena. The Free State-born forward crowned her landmark appearance with her 12th international goal after latching onto an excellent attacking move created by Thati Zulu down the right flank. Mokoena applied the finishing touch to spark celebrations before later being rewarded with the Player of the Match accolade.

Although South Africa produced several promising circle entries and looked dangerous for long periods, the coaching staff will know there is still room for improvement, particularly with converting opportunities into goals against stronger opposition at the World Cup.

Stephanie Botha - ACK Sports Photography

Even so, it was an encouraging start to the series as the Proteas maintained their unbeaten international record against Namibia and continued to build confidence ahead of one of the biggest tournaments on the international calendar.

The second Test between the two sides will be played on Tuesday at 17:00 at Elkanah House High School.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport