FRIDAY, 24 MAY 2024
HOCKEY MEDIA RELEASE: SOUTH AFRICAN INDOOR HOCKEY MEN SECURE THRILLING VICTORY OVER NAMIBIA AT THE INDOOR AFRICA CUP
Swakopmund, Namibia – The South African Indoor Hockey Men team powered by Tops at SPAR faced off against the hosts in Swakopmund at the Indoor Africa Cup, aiming to top the pool stage and virtually secure a spot in the tournament final, which also serves as a qualifier for the FIH Indoor World Cup 2025 in Croatia.
South Africa beat a spirited Namibia 5-4 in undoubtedly the game of the day.
Justin Rosenberg, South Africa’s head coach introduced debutants Hans Neethling, Cullin de Jager, and Lerou Ditlhakanyane. Meanwhile, veterans Jethro Eustice and Justin Domleo, the most capped players in SA Men’s Indoor Hockey history, brought their extensive experience to the game.
Captain Eustice opened the scoring with a precise penalty corner shot into the bottom corner. Mustapha Cassiem then doubled the lead with a brilliant finish, marking his 34th consecutive international indoor game with a goal, ending the first quarter at 2-0.
The South African defence, led by de Jager, effectively neutralized Namibia’s attacks, allowing Mustapha Cassiem to score his 79th international indoor goal from a penalty corner variation, making it 3-0. As the half neared its end, Dayaan Cassiem swiftly reacted to a loose ball, lifting it home to secure a 4-0 lead at the halftime buzzer.
In the second half, Dayaan Cassiem assisted his brother, who completed his hat-trick with a spectacular over-the-shoulder shot, bringing the score to 5-0. De Jager, on debut, maintained a clean sheet with a crucial save.
Namibia mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, energizing the crowd. JP Britz scored a penalty corner, followed by Fagan Hansen’s unselfish play to set up another goal, reducing the deficit to 5-2. Hansen then scored again, making it 5-3 with five minutes remaining. Cody van der Merwe added another, bringing the score to a tense 5-4.
Despite the pressure, South Africa, led by their resolute captain Eustice, alongside Domleo and the Cassiem brothers, managed to quell the Namibian surge and secure a victory. This win virtually assures the defending champions a place in the tournament final.
End.
FREE TO USE PICTURES
Captions:
South African Indoor Hockey men powered by Tops at SPAR.jpeg- The South African Indoor Hockey men’s team powered by Tops at SPAR sing the national anthem ahead of their game against hosts Namibia at the Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia on Friday 24 May 2024.South Africa beat Namibia 5-4.
Dayaan &Mustapha Cassiem celebrate a goal for South Africa.jpeg- Brothers Dayaan (left) and Mustapha Cassiem of the South African Indoor Hockey men’s team powered by Tops at SPAR celebrate a goal scored by Mustapha in their game against hosts Namibia at the Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia on Friday 24 May 2024.South Africa beat Namibia 5-4.
Cullin de Jager in action during his debut for South Africa- Cullin de Jager- debutant goalkeeper of the South African Indoor Hockey men’s team powered by Tops at SPAR in action against hosts Namibia at the Indoor Africa Cup being played in Swakopmund, Namibia on Friday 24 May 2024.South Africa beat Namibia 5-4.
Photo Credit: Zac Zinn
