This comes after receiving another major lift with confirmation of government funding for their upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup campaign.

The final Test, which was moved to Hartleyvale, proved to be a memorable occasion for Jean-Leigh du Toit and Bianca Wood, who both celebrated their 50th international caps in national colours.

The Proteas were dominated throughout the four-Test series - Jan van Zyl

South Africa controlled much of the early possession and territory but found Namibia difficult to break down. Despite dominating the opening exchanges, the hosts had to wait until the closing stages of the first quarter for the breakthrough, with Caylin Maree opening the scoring to hand South Africa a deserved 1-0 lead.

Namibia refused to go away quietly and remained competitive throughout the contest. Their disciplined defensive effort frustrated the South Africans for long periods, while they also created a handful of opportunities that threatened to draw them level.

With just 12 minutes remaining, the match was still finely balanced at 1-0 before South Africa found another gear.

Ongeziwe Mali doubled the lead to ease any nerves before Hannah Pearce converted from a penalty corner to continue her outstanding form. Pearce finished the four-match series with six goals to her name.

Du Toit then enjoyed the perfect way to celebrate her milestone, firing home from another penalty corner to complete the 4-0 victory and cap a memorable afternoon with a goal in her 50th appearance.

The result sealed a comprehensive 4-0 series triumph for South Africa, providing valuable momentum as preparations intensify for the Hockey World Cup. The national selectors are expected to announce the World Cup squad shortly before the team departs for Scotland, where they will play additional warm-up matches ahead of the global showpiece.

The Proteas' next assignment in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands - Jan van Zyl

Off the field, South African hockey also received welcome news after the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, approved R3 million in financial assistance to support both the men’s and women’s national teams at the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

The South African Hockey Association had launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to bridge the financial gap facing both World Cup squads. The government contribution will significantly reduce that shortfall and help ensure the teams can compete on the world stage without placing further financial pressure on the players.

SA Hockey president Deon Morgan thanked the minister, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and everyone who supported the fundraising campaign.

All of the players in the squad go an opportunity in the series - Jan van Zyl

He said the association remained grateful for the backing received from the public, businesses and the wider hockey community, while stressing that the organisation would continue seeking long-term commercial partnerships to sustainably fund its national programmes.

SA Hockey also confirmed it would comply with all governance, financial reporting and accountability requirements linked to the funding, while continuing efforts to secure investment for its senior, junior, indoor and Hockey5s national teams in the years ahead.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport