SPAR South Africa Indoor Hockey Women Secure World Cup Qualification with Dominant Victory Over Zimbabwe

    Swakopmund – 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.

    South African Indoor Hockey Men Secure World Cup Spot with Dominant Win Over 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

      South African Indoor Hockey Men Secure Thrilling Victory Over Namibia at Indoor Africa Cup

        The South African Indoor Hockey Men’s team 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. Supported by Tops at SPAR, South Africa 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 defense, 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. Remaining Fixtures: 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 24, 2024

        SPAR South Africa Earns Draw Against Namibia, Eyes Spot in Indoor Africa Cup Final

          Swakopmund, Namibia – SPAR South Africa and Namibia renewed their long-standing rivalry in international indoor hockey at the Indoor Africa Cup on Friday. With both teams aware that a victory would virtually assure their qualification for the final—and a spot in the FIH Indoor World Cup—the stakes were high. Namibia, the defending champions, started strong with Azaylee Philander scoring the opening goal after superb setup play from Kiana Cormack. This early goal spurred SPAR South Africa into action, showcasing their resilience with several strong offensive plays. However, they were consistently denied by three outstanding saves from Namibia’s Petro Stoffberg, ending the first quarter 1-0 in favor of the hosts. SPAR South Africa found their equalizer in the second quarter when Cerian Fourie executed a brilliant run up the left side, crossing the ball for Bonolo Moabi to tap home. Despite opportunities from penalty corners, neither team was able to add to their tally, and the score remained locked at 1-1 at halftime. The third quarter saw Sarah Paget make a crucial save to deny a determined Kiana Cormack, while Cailynn den Bakker’s powerful shot was once again saved by Stoffberg. Both teams continued to struggle with converting penalty corners, keeping the score even at 1-1 as the third quarter ended. In the final quarter, SPAR South Africa had an early chance, but Malikah Hamza was unable to direct it goalwards. The game remained on a knife-edge, with both teams nearly frustrating themselves as much as each other. Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This result secured Namibia’s place in the final. SPAR South Africa will now aim to secure their spot by avoiding defeat against Zimbabwe in their final pool stage game on Saturday. Remaining fixtures 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 24, 2024

          South Africa awarded opening victories as Botswana fail to honour fixture at Indoor Africa Cup

            Both the SPAR South Africa indoor women’s team and the SA Indoor Hockey men’s team, powered by Tops at SPAR, were awarded 5-0 forfeit victories on the opening day of the Indoor Africa Cup in Swakopmund. This decision came after Botswana was unable to honour the fixture due to travel difficulties. According to tournament regulations, the games were awarded to the South African teams with a 5-0 scoreline. Despite the absence of their opponents, the South African teams made use of their allotted time to train and prepare. They now look forward to their double-header against Namibia on Friday, a critical match that could significantly impact their chances of qualifying for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. Remaining Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Men 24 May 2024 – 20:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Remaining Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Women 24 May 2024 – 17:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 12:30 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 12:30 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 15:30 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 23, 2024

            All Eyes on Swakopmund as African Indoor World Cup Spots Are Up for Grabs

              For the first time in African indoor hockey history, four nations will compete for the title of African Indoor Champions as the Indoor World Cup Qualifier kicks off in Swakopmund on Thursday. Hosts Namibia, along with Botswana and Zimbabwe, will vie for a coveted place at the 2025 FIH Indoor World Cup in Porenc, Croatia. Thanks to the South African team’s stellar performance at the 2023 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Pretoria, there are now two spots available for African nations. SPAR South Africa made history by becoming the first African team to reach the final four of the Indoor World Cup, securing a second spot for Africa in the women’s tournament. That groundbreaking team was led by head coach Lennie Botha and captain Jess O’Connor, both of whom retired post-tournament. Now, the mantle has passed to AJ Spieringshoek and Jamie Southgate, who aim to clinch an African title that has eluded SPAR South Africa’s ladies in the previous two editions. This team is markedly different from the one that narrowly lost the final at this venue in 2017, with no members from that squad remaining. Defending champions Namibia also triumphed in the inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup in Cape Town in December, though they fell to South Africa in the Tuanku Zara Cup final. Zimbabwe showed promise in the 2017 tournament, while Botswana is eager to demonstrate their improvement since suffering heavy defeats in the 2022 edition. In the men’s division, both South Africa and Namibia advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. However, it was South Africa’s sixth-place finish that secured two spots for the continent in Croatia. South Africa, supported by Tops at SPAR, has been the dominant force in African hockey, winning every African qualifier to date, including the last one held at this venue. Despite their impressive record against Namibia, they remain cautious of the threat posed by Trevor Cormack’s side. Zimbabwe, absent from the last edition, showed incredible fight in their previous Swakopmund appearance and remain a wild card due to their extended absence from international matches. Botswana hopes for a better showing than in Durban as they continue to develop as an indoor hockey nation. The tournament will be live-streamed on One Up Two through the NTV page here, with updates available on the South African Hockey social media pages. Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Men 23 May 2024 – 17:00 – South Africa vs. Botswana 24 May 2024 – 20:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Women 23 May 2024 – 15:30 – South Africa vs. Botswana 24 May 2024 – 17:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 12:30 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 12:30 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 15:30 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 23, 2024

              Yves-du-Manoir Stadium: A century long legacy of Olympic excellence

                Lausanne, Switzerland: In the heart of Colombes, a serene suburb of Paris, stands the majestic Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, a beacon of sporting heritage and excellence. As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris gains momentum, this historic arena prepares to once again witness the electrifying spectacle of hockey, echoing the spirit of its illustrious past. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium boasts a legacy that transcends time. Back in 1924, it stood as the proud host of the VIII Olympiad, welcoming athletes and spectators from across the globe to celebrate the pinnacle of sporting prowess. Among the events that captivated the world was hockey. Fast forward a century, and the echoes of history reverberate once more as the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium gears up to reclaim its place on the Olympic stage. The anticipation continues to rise as players, coaches, and fans alike eagerly await the chance to etch their names alongside the legends who once graced these hallowed grounds. For the athletes, competing at Yves-du-Manoir will be more than just a quest for gold; it’ll be a homage to those who paved the way before them. When they step onto the pristine turf, they will feel the presence of past champions, their spirits fueling the determination to strive for greatness. But it’s not just the athletes who will feel the weight of history; it’s the spectators too. When they fill the stands, they will become part of a tradition that goes back a century, bound together by a shared love for the game and a reverence for the venue that has borne witness to triumphs and defeats alike. When the first whistle blows and the game begins, the air will crackle with excitement, and the stadium will come alive once more. Every pass, every tackle, every goal will be greeted with roars of approval, which will be a testament to the enduring passion for hockey that transcends generations. Test Event   On 4 and 5 May, a test event was held to conduct all the operational checks of the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Various junior and senior teams were in action and the athletes were buzzing as they spoke to us after their matches and shared their excitement about hockey at the upcoming games. Nike Lorenz, captain of the German women’s hockey team said, “It is a beautiful stadium and I can’t wait to see it once it is branded fully and filled with fans for the Olympics. The whole team is excited and we are thrilled to be involved in the test event.” Victor Lockwood, who will be among the most crucial players for the men’s team from France added, “It’s an amazing feeling playing here and we are getting impatient to play in the Olympics. We have been playing here for three weeks now and we are growing together as a team.” Niklas Wellen, player of the tournament and gold medal winner at the recent FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, said, “We can already feel that the atmosphere in the main stands will be absolutely electric. It’s been a good experience for us to get to know the stadium and I really like it.” Tony Estanguet, President of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Organising Committee, was in attendance at the test event in the Yves-du-Manoir stadium. Speaking about the significant history of the stadium he remarked, “The Yves-du-Manoir stadium has been a very important part of the French sports movement and we are excited to be back here. 100 years after we had the opening ceremony and many other events in the stadium during the 1924 Paris Olympics, we are proud to have hockey played here in this historic venue.” He also extended a warm welcome to the global hockey fans and said, “We are looking forward to the fans filling up the stadium and bringing an amazing atmosphere. The entire country is ready and excited for Paris 2024, we just need you fans here and we look forward to having you!” For more details about Hockey at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. #Paris2024 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website.

                Indoor Africa Cup [IAC] 2024 (M&W) Logo revealed

                  The IAC2024 (M/W) takes place in Swakopmund, Namibia during the period 23-26 May 2024 and is the Qualifier for the FIH Indoor World Cup 2025. 4 Participating Teams (M/W) from: Botswana Namibia South Africa Zimbabwe #IAC2024 #HockeyInvites International Hockey Federation (FIH) SAHA – South African Hockey Association Namibia Hockey Hockey Association of Zimbabwe Botswana Hockey Association

                  Join and play, on first ever “International Hockey Day”!

                    Lausanne, Switzerland: As part of its 100-year anniversary celebrations, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will launch the first ever “International Hockey Day” on 13-14 April 2024. This year, dates have been chosen to coincide with the week of the “100 days to go” milestone (happening on 17 April) until the start of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. However, the International Hockey Day is not a “one-off” event. It is here to stay and will be celebrated every year in the future (at a date which remains open)! For this first edition, FIH has invited all National Associations (NAs) to make a pledge to grow hockey in their respective nations by getting at least 100 new young players into the sport and increasing their fanbase on social media until the start of the upcoming Olympics. Concretely, NAs are urged to identify a project or series of projects that may be implemented until the start of Paris 2024 to reach these objectives. “The International Hockey Day shall offer an additional opportunity to the global hockey community for boosting the promotion of our sport. In particular, it should aim at bringing and exposing more people to hockey. Growing the number of athletes worldwide and growing our fanbase are two essential pillars of our mission. This Day, that will be a very special date in hockey’s international calendar every year, shall contribute to fulfilling this mission. I therefore appeal to each and every member of our community worldwide to play a part in this quest for growth”, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said. The International Hockey Federation was created on 7 January 2024 in Paris, France. Throughout the year, various activities will be organised to celebrate this milestone, culminating at the FIH Congress in November. #Since1924 #Hockey100Pledge #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website.