Cheree Greyvenstein bids farewell to International Hockey

Cheree Greyvenstein bids farewell to International Hockey

South African Women’s Indoor Hockey goalkeeper Cheree Greyvenstein has called time on her international playing career after nine years.

Greyvenstein has racked up 75 Test caps for South Africa since making her debut in a 8-1 victory over Zimbabwe in 2017. She then went on a 19 Test Match unbeaten run with the national team. Together with this she donned the green and gold at the 2023 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup where she was part of the side that finished fourth, she also represented the country at the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia. 

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Greyvenstein said it has been a great journey as she reflects on what she has achieved over the nine years for South Africa.

"So for me, it kind of just felt like I obviously gave nine years of hard work and dedication, and even with playing hockey at a national level, it's not like a full-time thing where I started work full-time and stuff like that," said Greyvenstein.

READ: Southern Stings coach praises squad versatility after Flames win

"I think after nine years, I made a hard decision. Looking back at my career, I've achieved a lot-75 caps, two World Cups. It really has been a good journey for me, and I think as I'm getting older now, you kind of have to look ahead and go, 'Don't you want to just go and have a holiday and be with family? Because this hockey takes up a lot of your schedule.”

"I think I felt it's the right time to hang up the boots and give the youngsters coming through a chance, so ja, I think it was a tough decision."

The 29-year-old also remembers her very first call-up for South Africa.

"So we were very privileged when Lenny Botha was our coach, and he was from Durban, so we would always train with the national ladies as school kids. I remember the first time Australia were coming down to play PSI a while back when my best friend Jess Lardant and I were still in high school, and we got selected for that team."

"That was the first game we played against a country like Australia. I promise you, I think there was a time when I said at half-time, "Please take me off."

"I think I am going to vomit because I have never had so many balls shot at me, and then I thought, well, this could be nice if I could train harder. So in 2017, at 21 years old, I made a team to play in a series for South Africa against Zimbabwe. From then on, I think I was the second goalkeeper, and I would only go in at half-time when Lenny was comfortable with us. I feel that kind of helped build my confidence."

Editors Pick