Welcome to the 2024
Ignition Group Polocrosse
World Cup
About Polocrosse
The game Polocrosse is a combination of polo, la crosse and netball. It is played on horseback, each rider using a cane stick, made up of a cane shaft to which attached is a squash racquet type head with a loose twisted thread net, in which the ball is carried. The stick may be of any length, usually 102 to 116cm overall. The ball is made of a thick- skinned sponge rubber approximately 31cm in circumference. Each player is permitted only one pony in each match of tournament, except in case of an injury when a substitute pony can be played.
Although there is no restriction to the height of the ponies used, it is generally accepted that the ideal height should not exceed 15.2 hands.
A team consists of 6 players, divided into two sections of three, who play alternate chukkas of eight minutes each, of which six chukkas comprise a full match, unless an international/World Cup when this is eight chukkas. The three players in each section consist of a number one “attack”, a number two “centre” and a number three “defence” player. The total aggregate of goals scored by the two sections in each team constitutes the final score.
The Polocrosse World Cup
SA , Australia and the UK are the only countries who have hosted World cups in the past. The biggest challenge in hosting a world cup is the large number of horses needed. The host country has to supply 128 horses. These horses are kindly lent to the World cup by the playing members of the hosting country. Last time SA hosted the World Cup was in 2015 at this very same venue, where SA won a back- to-back World Cup. The 2019 World Cup was held in Australia where Australia took captive once again of the World Cup Trophy. This year’s event will be a battle for gold with both countries hoping to regain the title of World Cup Champions.this year’s event will be a battle for gold with both countries hoping to regain the title of World Cup Champions.
In addition to South Africa and Australia; Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, The United Kingdom, USA and New Zealand make up the full Top 8 list to compete this year.
This years Polocrosse World Cup will be held over two weekends with the first round play taking place on 20-22 July and the finals being played on 25-28 July. Gates will be open open from 9am till late with a range of food and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy in addition to some adrenaline pumping Polocrosse.
JOIN US TO FIND OUT WHO WILL BE THE WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS in 2024.
The Venue
Shongweni Club is recognized as being the equestrian hub of Kwa-Zulu Natal and renowned as one of the best competitive venues in the country. Once purely a Polo venue, Shongweni Club has over the many years welcomed various other sports & disciplines into the family.
SCHEDULE OF PLAY
MEET THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM
HENRY HARRIS
Ladies Coach
JAMES HACKLAND
Mens Coach
JEAN HACKLAND
Team Manager
JACQUIE MINNAAR
LADIES CAPTAIN
Club: Nyati
Years Played: 18
Hobbies: Hiking
Day Job: Social Media Manager
Advice for aspiring players: Whether you think you can or can’t, you are right
OLIVIA KING
Club: Nyati
Years Played: 9
Hobbies: Squash, Tennis, Wakeboarding
Day Job: Scholar in Grade 11
Advice for aspiring players: Write down your goals and do something little each day to work towards them. When playing never ever look down!
LAUREN HEYNES
Club: Nyati
Years Played: 13
Hobbies: Squash
Day Job: Scholar
Advice for aspiring players: If your dreams don’t scare you, then they are not big enough. Always give your best, work hard and never give up. It will pay off when it counts
AMY COCKER
Club: Bishipstowe
Years Played: 16
Hobbies: Sports and spending time with friends
Day Job: Riding horses
Advice for aspiring players: Never give up just because you are told you are too young
JANNIE STEENKAMP
MENS CAPTAIN
Club: Hidcote
Years Played: 22
Hobbies: Squash, hunting golf & polo
Day Job: Business Owner – Cape Express furniture removals
Advice for aspiring players: Hard work leads to success
CHAD VON BENECKE
Club: Hidcote
Years Played: 14
Hobbies: Golf, squash, cricket and running
Day Job: Student
Advice for aspiring players: Always look for new ways to get better and the more work you put in the more rewards you get
STEFAN HARRIS
Club: Hidcote
Years Played: 20
Hobbies: Golf flat out
Day Job: Self employed in import, export & logistics
Advice for aspiring players: Always have goals that seem impossible and put the work in
JOSHUA LE ROUX
Club: Hidcote
Years Played: 10
Hobbies: Golf, Polo, Squash, Padel, Wake boarding, Hunting and fishing
Day Job: Farmer & commercial meat distributor.
Advice for aspiring players: Put in the hard work, trust the process and it will pay off. Invest your time into your horses because they are such a big part of the game!