After 3 convincing wins, South Africa has secured its spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup, with sights set on their 3rd championship title.

The 8 top countries competed in a round-robin format from 20 to 22 July, with Australia, Zambia, and New Zealand also making it into the semi-finals, and the bottom 4 going into the playoffs from Thursday, 25 July.

The action culminates in the finals on Sunday, 28 July. South Africans are encouraged to come out in green and gold to support the national side competing at KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban Shongweni Club, situated in the Valley of 1 000 Hills. The first weekend of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup has been nothing short of exhilarating.

Led by team captain and four-time South Africa World Cup player, Jan-Albert Steenkamp, the South Africa team has emerged as a formidable contender, securing their spot in the next phase of the journey to World Champions with a series of convincing victories.

Commenting on the play over the weekend, Steenkamp says: “It’s the greatest honour representing your own country and being able to secure our spot in the next rounds is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and management committee. This weekend has been unforgettable, with record-breaking chukkas that showcased our team's determination and skill.”

Dr Manfred Rohwer, President of The Polocrosse Association of South Africa, the event hosts, extended their congratulations to all the competitors for the phenomenal polocrosse action so far: “Audiences have been enthralled by the high level of on-field action displayed over the past few days and things are only set to heat up. Team South Africa has really brought their best and knowing that their country is behind them makes all the difference. We call on everyone to come out and show their support!”

Samantha Botha, Head of Group Marketing at Ignition Group, expressed her enthusiasm: "As a proudly South African company and the title sponsor of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup, Ignition Group is incredibly proud of our national team and their exceptional performance in the World Cup. The dedication and spirit they have demonstrated are truly inspirational. We eagerly look forward to cheering them on as they strive to bring home another World Cup Trophy for South Africa! This event not only highlights the immense talent of our players but also underscores KwaZulu-Natal and Westown, Shongweni as premier events destinations. We encourage everyone to come out and support our national side!”

Looking ahead to the semi-finals, fans can anticipate a weekend of intense competition and unforgettable polocrosse. The anticipation is palpable as these top teams vie for the coveted World Champion title, each bringing their unique strengths and strategies to the field. The stage is set for an epic showdown with all eyes on who will emerge victorious in this prestigious tournament.

2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup Results Day 1 (20 July 2024) SA: 29 v Zim: 16 Aus: 29 v USA: 12 NZ: 24 v Ire: 18 Zam: 26 v UK: 12 Day 2 (21 July 2024) Zam: 21 v USA: 13 NZ: 21 v Zim: 20 Aus: 24 v UK: 12 SA: 27 v Ire: 18 Day 3 (22 July 2024) UK: 16 vs USA: 12 SA: 30 v NZ: 15 Ire: 21 v Zim: 18 Aus: 26 v Zam: 14 Second Round Match Schedule (25 to 28 July 2024) From Thursday, 25 July, teams will fight for their spots in the world rankings. In addition, a South African Development side has been selected to play against a Rest of the World Barbarian side, featuring players from South America, Canada, and Europe, among others.

These exciting matches will be played in between the deciding World Cup games in the coming days, showcasing the up-and-coming talent of South Africa and the polocrosse world. Thursday, 25 July 2024 8.30am: Barbarian Ladies vs PASA Ladies Development Team 10.30am: UK vs Ireland (Game 7) 12.30pm: Barbarian Men’s vs PASA Men’s Development Team 2.30pm: USA vs Zimbabwe (Game 8) Friday, 26 July 2024 8.30am: Barbarian Men’s vs PASA Men’s Development Team 10.30am: Zambia vs South Africa (Game 9) 12.30pm: Barbarian Ladies vs PASA Ladies Development Team 2.30pm: Australia vs New Zealand (Game 10) Saturday, 27 July 2024 8.30am: Barbarian Ladies vs PASA Ladies Development Team 10.30am: Losers of Game 7 vs Losers of Game 8 (7th and 8th place) 12.30pm: Barbarian Men’s vs PASA Men’s Development Team 2.30pm: Winners of Game 7 vs Winners of Game 8 (5th and 6th place) Sunday, 28 July 2024 10am: 3rd and 4th place playoff 1pm: Finals Don’t miss the 2024 Ignition Group PWC Entertainment Programme Don’t worry if you’ve missed the first few days, there is still LOTS of polocrosse action and festival fun taking place at Durban Shongweni Club until 28 July.

The daily on-field entertainment includes:

• Gumboot dancers, choirs and school marimba bands
• Comedy by Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert
• Music by Qadasi & Maqhinga, The Kickstands, Gwyn Viljoen & Hayden Rattray, Steve Umculo, Carol Souki, Black Whiskey, and Rob Warren & The Lapels
• East Coast Radio broadcasting live on certain days
• Food and beverage vendors selling an array of delicious eats
• Pop-ups selling locally made, handcrafted goods
• Live artwork by Laura Crane Creative 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup Details BUY TICKETS NOW from TicketPro for the:
• Second Round Polocrosse World Cup (25 to 28 July 2024)
• Day passes, VIP tickets, packages, and parking passes are also available.

For the full schedule of events, visit www.polocrosseworldcup2024.com and keep updated on all 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup information by following @southafricanpolocrosse on Instagram.