Sep 17, 2024

South African Hockey Names Indoor Men’s Squad for FIH Indoor World Cup

South African Hockey has announced the South African Indoor Hockey Men’s squad, powered by Tops at SPAR,  for  the upcoming Nkosi Cup in December FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in February 2025. The team has set its sights on improving their 2023 quarter-final finish and making a deeper run on the global stage.

Veteran Leadership and Rising Stars
At the helm of this experienced squad is the legendary Justin Domleo, the most-capped player in South African Indoor Hockey history. Domleo stands on the brink of history, with the opportunity to become the first South African to compete in four Indoor Hockey World Cups, having represented the country in 2015, 2018, and 2023. Alongside him is the reliable Jethro Eustice, a seasoned campaigner who boasts two previous World Cup appearances.

Cassiem Brothers – South Africa’s X-Factor
Mustapha Cassiem, named Young Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Indoor World Cup, is set to dazzle once again. Known for his extraordinary skills and explosive speed, Mustapha will be a key player in South Africa’s ambitions. His brother, Dayaan Cassiem, equally dynamic, will partner with him to form a formidable duo, whose on-field chemistry has previously delivered some of the most viral moments in world hockey. Together, the Cassiem brothers, who play their club hockey in Amsterdam, are expected to be a critical factor in South Africa’s success.

Core Players Return, Fresh Faces Step Up
Keegan Hezlett and Anton van Loggerenberg, key members of the 2023 World Cup squad, return to bolster the team’s depth and experience. Rusten Abrahams, a 2018 World Cup member, brings additional leadership. Dalpiarro Langford, who narrowly missed out on the 2023 squad, has been a consistent performer and makes his well-deserved return.

New faces in the team include Cullin de Jager, Hans Neethling, and Leruo Dithakanyane, all of whom made their international debuts earlier this year at the Indoor Africa Cup in Swakopmund. The only uncapped player is the highly promising Litha Kraai, who earned his spot after standout performances at the recent IPT and selection camp.

A Look Ahead
At the FIH Indoor World Cup, South Africa will open their campaign against hosts Croatia, before facing reigning World Champions Austria. They will conclude the pool stages in a pivotal match against Poland, where their progression could well be decided.

 

@sahockey𝔽𝕀ℍ 𝕀𝕟𝕕𝕠𝕠𝕣 ℍ𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕪 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 ℂ𝕦𝕡 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟝 The SA Indoor Men, powered by Tops at SPAR, have been announced for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025. #MoreThanHockey

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SA Indoor Hockey Mens Squad – Nkosi Cup & FIH Indoor World Cup

Name Caps Name Caps
Rusten Abrahams 37 Dayaan Cassiem 36
Mustapha Cassiem 36 Cullin de Jager 3
Lerou Dithakanyane 3 Justin Domleo 60
Jethro Eustice 53 Keegan Hezlett 35
Litha Kraai 0 Dalpiarro Langford 25
Hans Neethling 3 Anton van Loggerenberg 26

 

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