Preparations are well under way for the SPAR Cup to be played at Queensmead in Durban, South Africa early next month.

The four nations women’s hockey tournament features South Africa, Argentina, Australia and India and is an important part of South Africa’s build-up to the eight-nations Champions Challenge in Cape Town in October.  The Champions Challenge involves the countries ranked from seventh to 12th in the world, as well as the team that finished sixth in the previous Champions Trophy.  The winner of the Challenge competes in the next Champions Trophy.

Argentina are ranked second in the world, and Australia fifth, while India are ranked 14th – two places below South Africa.  The opportunity to play strong opposition in a tournament situation will provide South Africa with much-needed international experience in a tournament situation. 

There will be two matches a day from Tuesday June 2 to Saturday June 6, when the two top teams will play each other to decide the winner, while the other two teams play for bronze.

Argentina and Australia are among the world’s top hockey playing nations, with Argentina ranked second and Australia ranked fifth, and the tournament offers an ideal opportunity for hockey fans to watch world class hockey.  South Africa are ranked 12 and India 14th.

Match schedule:

Tuesday 2 June
14:00 Australia – India
16:00 South Africa – Argentina

Wednesday 3 June
14:00 Argentina – Australia
16:00 South Africa – India

Friday 5 June
14:00 India – Argentina
16:00 South Africa – Australia

Saturday 6 June
12:30 Bronze medal match
15:00 Final

Source: BLD / Hockey South Africa