'We proved we are good enough'

South Africa captain Marsha Marescia said the FIH Olympics Qualifiers victory has vindicated they are good enough to compete in the London Games and are happy to have delivered a perfect response to their Olympic association.

The Protean women had already booked the spot for the London Games when they clinched their African Continental Championship but the South African Sports Confederation and
Olympic Committee withdrew their spot, citing they had not beaten world class teams to deserve it, forcing the team to play the current Qualifiers.

“It feels really good to have come out and prove yourself once again,” said a delighted Marescia who was declared the player of the tournament. “It really hurt us when we were asked to play the Qualifiers. But we had the confidence and motivation and happy to have emerged victorious.”

The captain also praised the entire team for putting up a splendid show in the final. “Not just today but we played brilliant through out the tournament. We got the start we wanted when we capitalised on India’s defensive error. It really set the match nicely for us. The second goal gave us the confidence that we can do it. Really thrilled to have completed the job.”

India captain Asunta Lakra said rather than being disappointed the team should look forward. “It was dream to play at the Olympics and will continue to remain. It feels sad to have not won the final but we should not be disappointed.

“The team has got a lot of young and talented girls. Coming to the final in itself is an achievement and we played a much better team today. However, in the coming future we should emerge stronger.”