issues. The game involved Yolandi 'Ananke' Williams
who was to play from Wits University. Even though Wits has an
incredible internet connection, it proved not to be reliable enough
for the test match and such game was cancelled. Of course Yolandi
was saddened by the cancellation as she was looking forward to a
rematch against Niina "Soyhi" Kahela (Finland) whom Yolandi had
faced off against at the 2013 IeSF World Championships - Bucharest.

In the StarCraft II match between Nathan 'Static' Anderson (SA) and
Vesa "Welmu" Hovinen (Finland), Nathan lost both games. However, it
must be noted that Vesa is arguably one of the top players outside
Korea. On examining the replays, it is absolutely clear that Nathan
is much improved since he represented South Africa in Bucharest in
2013. The replays too show where work has to be done.

InDota 2, the
Finnish team, ably lead by the world-renown Kalle "Trixi"
Saarinen delivered two resounding defeats on the South
African team. No quarter was given by the Finnish team who
demonstrated why they are the main contenders for the World
Championship title.

However, the
South African team showed remarkable improvement since their
game against Egypt in August. Lessons have been learnt and
the team has improved.

There is still a long road to travel, and much improvement
still needs to be done.

Nevertheless,
the optimism, willingness to learn, and commitment shown by
the South African team bodes well for the remaining test
matches as well as for the actual World Championships.

The on-line test
matches thus provide a valuable platform for the South
African eSports players to test themselves against the
international opposition, have a critical look at their
tactics and prepare for the upcoming 2014 World
Championships