South African Hockey proudly bid farewell to the SA Indoor Men’s and Women’s teams as they embark on their journey to the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. The official send-off event took place at Southern Sun, marking the final step before the teams take on the world’s best in their quest for glory. The event was attended by key figures in South African sport, including SASCOC President Barry Hendricks, who extended his well wishes to the teams. “Competing at a World Cup is a great honour, and we have full confidence that these players will make South Africa proud,” said Hendricks. SA Hockey Vice President Lwandi Simelane expressed gratitude to the sponsors who have made this campaign possible and encouraged the teams to embrace the opportunity ahead. “Our teams stand on the shoulders of those who believe in South African hockey, and we thank our partners for ensuring our players can compete on the global stage. Now, it’s time for the teams to embrace the moment and make history,” said Simelane. With the tournament fast approaching, team captains Dayaan Cassiem (Men) and Jamie Southgate (Women) reaffirmed their commitment to giving their all for their country. “We are ready to shine, to compete with pride, and to showcase the best of South African indoor hockey,” said Cassiem. Southgate echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the unity and determination within both squads. South African Hockey extends its appreciation to PSI Franchise Quaggas for their generous support in making the send-off event a success. The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup presents an opportunity for South Africa’s best to showcase their talent, compete against the world’s elite, and continue the proud tradition of excellence in the sport. With the nation behind them, the SA Indoor teams are ready to take on the challenge. Pictures – Karl Seebach Source: sahockey.co.za | Date: January 29, 2025

The South African Indoor Hockey Men, backed by Tops at SPAR, aimed to reaffirm their dominance in African hockey as they sought to retain their title as African Champions. Although both teams had already qualified for the Indoor World Cup in Croatia, pride was still very much at stake, creating a tense atmosphere. The opening quarter saw few chances, with a notable save from DJ Strauss keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The second quarter mirrored the first in its defensive intensity. South Africa had a golden opportunity with a penalty stroke, but Mustapha Cassiem’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Strauss, leaving the score level at halftime. The game’s much-needed breakthrough came from Mustapha Cassiem, who, with his back to the goal, executed a trademark roundhouse shot into the bottom corner. Cassiem soon turned provider, setting up Langford for a swift counterattack goal. Cullin de Jager’s impressive triple save was followed by Fagan Hansen pulling one back for Namibia from a penalty corner. Just before the break, Hansen equalized from another penalty corner, setting up a thrilling final 10 minutes. In the final quarter, Cassiem once again showcased his talent with a stunning finish into the roof of the net, but Namibia quickly equalized through Cody van der Merwe. The match ended in a draw, leading to a shootout. The shootout extended to five rounds, with Namibia emerging victorious. Captain DJ Strauss was the hero, leading the underdogs to a landmark win over South Africa. Individual Awards – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 Goalkeeper of the tournament – Cullin de Jager (South Africa) Player of the tournament – Ernest Jacobs (Namibia) Top Goal scorer – Mustapha Cassiem (South Africa) Final Standings – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 1 – Namibia 2 – South Africa 3 – Zimbabwe

The South African Indoor Hockey Men, powered by Tops at SPAR, clinched their place in the final of the Indoor Africa Cup and secured a qualifying spot for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup with a commanding victory over Zimbabwe on Saturday morning. The match began with a tense opening quarter, as both teams struggled to create clear opportunities. Zimbabwe came closest to scoring but the first period ended goalless. South Africa broke the deadlock with their third penalty corner. After chances for Nic White and Mustapha Cassiem were denied, Eustice set up Hezlett for a superb finish. This goal sparked the South African offense, and Mustapha Cassiem quickly added two more goals to extend their lead. Despite Zimbabwe’s efforts, they couldn’t match South Africa’s intensity. A disallowed goal for Zimbabwe briefly provided relief, but Cassiem soon completed his hat-trick with a powerful flick into the top left corner, making it 4-0 at halftime. The South Africans maintained their momentum in the third quarter. Dayaan Cassiem showcased excellent off-the-ball movement to score, followed by another goal from Mustapha Cassiem that slipped through Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Chibetete. Hezlett scored his second goal from a penalty corner, increasing the lead to 7-0. Langford then netted a stunning goal off the crossbar, and Hans Neethling celebrated his first international goal from a penalty corner. Neethling also assisted Abdulla, who deftly deflected the ball into the net, bringing the score to 10-0 by the end of the third quarter. The final quarter continued in the same vein. Jethro Eustice made it 11-0, and Dalpiaz Langford added another off the crossbar from a penalty corner, rounding out the score to 12-0. The match concluded with South Africa’s dominant win, securing their qualification for the FIH Indoor World Cup in February in Croatia. With their first objective achieved, the South African team now aims to confirm their title as champions of Africa. Source: sahockey.co.za | May 25, 2024