6 Players to watch at the Belgotex Elite Club Challenge

6 Players to watch at the Belgotex Elite Club Challenge

The Belgotex Elite Club Challenge rolls into Durban North this week with more than 150 of South Africa’s finest club hockey players combining to create a spectacle second to none. With so much talent on display we pick out six players to cast your eyes on during what promises to be a scintillating weekend of hockey.

Fawaaz Kahder (Beaulieu Hockey Club)

Fawaaz is currently part of the South African Under 21 side as well as part of the team that successfully secured the Junior African Cup title in March this year. He was also rewarded for his form by earning his first cap for the country at the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia in 2022. Although he may not grab the glitzy headlines, he is central to a lot of what is great about Beaulieu.

Reuban Sendzul (Central Hockey Club)

The prodigious young talent has been tearing up school hockey sides for a while and produced a breathtaking performance at the SA U18 IPT for Boland recently. His form earned him a call up for the SA Schools Under 18 side to play the SA Under 21 side. If you need any more convincing just have a look at the viral clip of his goal on the SuperSport Schools accounts.

Siya Nolutshungu (Morningside Hockey Club)

The South African goalkeeper was the number two to Rassie Pieterse before the Tokyo Olympics, but injury ruled him out and his claim to be national number one has faced renewed challenges. However, there is no doubt that when Nolutshungu is on top of his game there are few better shot stoppers in the game, recovery from injury has meant we are seeing the fan favourite closer to his peak again.

Nihaad Sulaiman (Western Province Cricket Club)

The exciting youngster offers the dynamite comes in small packages saying a worthy candidate. The former Western Province and KZN Inland IPT player is one of the youngsters in the team but her dynamic style will catch several players off guard at Riverside Sports Club.

Malikah Hamza (Kearsney Hockey Club)

The young talent continues to see her star rise which has led to a contract offer at Harvesterhuder in Germany for next season. She returns home for another crack at the Belgotex Elite Club Challenge where she impressed last year. On the back of a good season in Germany and a short spell in India you would be surprised if she does not make an impact on a game at the Belgotex Elite Club Challenge.   

 Nomnikelo Veto (Crusaders Hockey Club)

Nicky Veto is one of South Africa’s most exciting attacking players that led her to Olympic selection. On the bigger stages she normally brings her biggest performances. Defenders across the tournament will be mindful of her ability to find goals from ridiculous angles and she is arguably one of the best players when it comes to a fine’s session too!

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