Russia rides rampant.

Team Counter-Strike: GO Russia - Aleksandr Melehov, Ilia Bushuev, Grigorii Plotnikov, Igor Nazarov and Nikita Shchegorev

In the Counter-Strike: GO online test match between Russia and South Africa that was held on 28 August 2018, the 2018 Russian team demonstrated the might that is Russia.

The South African Protea Counter-Strike: GO team, ably lead by Marisa van der Westhuizen, fought long and hard. However, the Russian team showed no mercy in their first international test match and snatched the spoils away from South Africa.

Nevertheless, Amanda Pakade (MSSA President) and Johan van Breda (National Team Manager) both expressed their satisfaction with the South African Protea Team's performance.

"The team played well, and although having lost to the country that won the Counter-Strike: GO esports title at IESF's 9th World Championships in Busan, the Protea Team shows that they have what it takes to truly represent South Africa at IESF's 10th World Championships in Kaohsuing City", enthused Amanda.

Johan van Breda, stated that while he was satisfied with the team's performance, the test match had highlighted areas where the Protea team must pay special attention. However, Johan did state that he was very proud of the Protea Team, and that through the team's positive attitude, dedication, cohesiveness, and ability, will be a credit to all South Africa.

The South African Counter-Strike: GO Esports Team consists of:

• Marisa "Faith" van der Westhuizen
• Nicole "Nexxy" Rootman
• Alora Ann "Saphira" Liebenberg
• Lelane "Lilly" Soldin
• Leander "Chappy" Van Schalkwyk