SATURDAY, 25 MAY 2024
HOCKEY MEDIA RELEASE: SOUTH AFRICAN MEN& WOMEN INDOOR HOCKEY TEAMS SECURE SPOTS FOR THE FIH INDOOR HOCKEY WORLD CUP
The South African men’s and women’s Indoor Hockey teams convincingly beat Zimbabwe on Saturday to secure their place in Sunday’s finals of the Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia. Both teams’ victories over Zimbabwe also secured both teams qualifying spots in the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup to be played in Croatia February next year.
Men’s report
Swakopmund, Namibia – 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.
Women’s report
Swakopmund, Namibia – The SPAR South Africa Indoor Hockey Women’s team clinched their place at the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia with a resounding 14-0 victory over Zimbabwe on the final day of pool action. Knowing a draw would suffice for qualification, the South African team left no room for doubt with a stunning display of skill and dominance.
Malikah Hamza set the tone by scoring within the first 120 seconds. Cerian Fourie followed with a successful penalty corner, and Tegan Fourie capitalized on a sweeping counterattack, ending the first quarter with a 3-0 lead. Zimbabwean captain Sarah Evans made a brilliant goal-line clearance, but South Africa soon struck again with Jess Lardant’s powerful flick from a penalty corner.
By halftime, South Africa extended their lead to 6-0, with further goals from Laylaa Davids, Malikah Hamza, and Tegan Fourie, who netted her 69th international goal. The team maintained their momentum in the second half, with Lardant scoring again and Cailynn den Bakker adding to the tally with a superb individual run.
As the match progressed, Malikah Hamza completed her hat-trick, and the final quarter saw some of South Africa’s best play. Cailynn den Bakker, Malikah Hamza, and Tegan Fourie all found the net, with Fourie assisting her sister for a top-corner finish. Lardant capped the game with her hat-trick, equalling South Africa’s best-ever result against Zimbabwe.
This emphatic victory not only secured South Africa’s top spot in the pool stage on goal difference but also guaranteed their place in the final and their qualification for the 2025 Indoor World Cup.
End.
FREE TO USE PICTURES
Captions:
Laylaa Davids plays the ball for South Africa- Laylaa Davids plays the ball for South Africa during the SPAR South Africa women’s 14-0 win over Zimbabwe on Saturday at Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia.
The Fourie sisters celebrate a goal for SPAR South Africa- The Fourie sisters celebrate a goal for SPAR South Africa against Zimbabwe on Saturday at Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia. SPAR South Africa beat Zimbabwe 14-0 to qualify for Sunday’s final.
Jamie Southgate leading SPAR South Africa- SPAR South African women’s Indoor Hockey captain Jamie Southgate leads South Africa against Zimbabwe on Saturday at Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia. SPAR South Africa beat Zimbabwe 14-0 to qualify for Sunday’s final.
Hans Neethling battles for the ball against Zimbabwe- Hans Neethling of the South African men’s Indoor Hockey team powered by Tops at SPAR battles for the ball against Zimbabwe on Saturday at Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia South Africa beat Zimbabwe 12-0 to qualify for Sunday’s final.
Dayaan Cassiem& Keegan Hezlett prepare for a penalty corner at the Indoor Africa Cup 2024- Dayaan Cassiem& Keegan Hezlett of the South African men’s Indoor Hockey team powered by Tops at SPAR prepare for a penalty corner against Zimbabwe on Saturday at Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia. South Africa beat Zimbabwe 12-0 to qualify for Sunday’s final.
Mustapha Cassiem looks on during a team talk- Mustapha Cassiem of the South African men’s Indoor Hockey team powered by Tops at SPAR looks on during a break against Zimbabwe on Saturday at Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia. South Africa beat Zimbabwe 12-0 to qualify for Sunday’s final.
Photo Credit: Zac Zinn
