The South African Indoor Hockey Men, powered by Tops at SPAR, produced a sublime performance to overturn an early deficit into victory against hosts Croatia on the opening night of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Poreč. Croatia came out firing with a brilliant goal from their captain Mario Mucic. South Africa would level with a reactive strike from Hans Neethling after a save but Croatia roared forward netting a brace through Lucas Bachmann to lead 3-1 at the first change. South Africa performed a tactical switch in the second quarter and immediately started seeing better opportunity with the ball. Captain Dayaan Cassiem was leading from the front and it was his brilliant drive that set up his brother Mustapha with the chance to pull back to 3-2, the half time score. With the wind in their sails, the South Africans came roaring forward and found the equalizer with a perfectly executed roundhouse flick from Cassiem to double his tally. South Africa had the upper hand and made it count with both Neethling and Cassiem netting again to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 5-3 advantage at the end of third quarter. Bachmann scored his second of the game in the final quarter to ignite hope for the Croatians but immediately Dayaan Cassiem pulled the strings and set up Neethling who finished his hat-trick to re-extend the lead to two. Cassiem himself then scored with a brilliant change of direction before his brother converted his fourth of the night from a penalty stroke. Croatia would score two late goals from penalty corners, one converted by Bachmann, the other by Gregor Fujs, but on the opening day it was job done for the South Africans who secured an important opening day victory against the hosts. Source: SAhockey.co.za | February 3, 2025

02 Feb, 2025 With just a few hours left till the start of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025, we spoke to the players and coaches of the participating teams about their aims and aspirations for the event. Listen in to what they had to say on the cusp of the tournament start: Nikolas von Zech and Hagen Streit (Head coaches, Croatia): “For both of us head coaches, the tournament means the fulfillment of a long-held dream of being a coach on the sidelines at a major international tournament. We are really looking forward to the arena, the audience and all the teams from all over the world. The world is visiting Porec. We, Croatia, are certainly the team that nobody expects anything from, so we can play without any pressure. But we are not here just to be good hosts or tourists; we want to represent Croatian women’s hockey in the best possible way. We want to bring 100% passion, courage and team spirit to the field and thus win over the audience.“ Dominic Giskes (Head Coach, Germany Women): We have a very good team together and have developed a good plan. The anticipation is immense. We’ll be happy when it finally starts. I already had a lot of fun at the European Indoor Championships in Berlin. It will certainly be a cool event. Abby Burnett (Captain, United States Women): After our performance at the Rohrmax Cup, I expect our team to perform very well and compete with the top European teams. This event is very special for the entire team. We have been working very hard and playing for coach Jun Kentwell always means a lot. Personally this tournament is super special to me as I’ve been on this team for such a long time and the girls on this team mean so much to me. Our main goal or objective is to win a medal, but to also prove that USA field hockey is a dominant force. Tikhamporn Sakulpithak (Captain, Thailand Women): We are thrilled to take part in our first World Cup. Together let’s play beautiful hockey with kindness and respect! Matthias Witthaus (Head Coach, Germany Men): The anticipation is growing. Three of the boys are certainly in a very good mood. They have just become German champions indoors. The team has not yet been able to develop. But communication is going well. That’s the big challenge: we want to become a real team in the short space of time, all vanities have to be pushed aside. We want to grow together quickly, all pull together and then be successful. Robin Rösch (Head Coach, Austria Men): We are looking forward to a great world championship. For many of us, this will be the last dance. Maxi Garreta (Coach, Belgium Women): Preparation has gone very quickly, but we’re happy with the work we’ve done. The Vienna tournament was an important factor in the rest of our preparations. Our objective for the World Cup is to get through the group stage, and then we’ll see. World Cup is the most important event in indoor hockey. It’s a chance to measure ourselves against the best nations in the sport. Maxime Bergez (Coach, Belgium Men): Our preparation is based on the same large group as last year. Our tournament in Austria gave us a lot of information about how to improve. We are now ready to compete at the highest level of Indoor hockey. We want to win the 1/4 final (after losing the shootout thriller against Iran in 2023) to fight for a medal. Our team Is a balance between young talent and experienced players and we want to use it to perform. The Infoor Hockey World Cup is the biggest indoor hockey competition. The players invested a lot of time and energy to be ready for an event like that. The Indoor Red Lions showed that they can compete with the best in Europe. It is time to shine worldwide. Dayaan Cassiem (Captain, South Africa Men): I’m really excited for South African mens to be in the world cup again after a beautiful one in Pretoria. I can’t wait for it to start as we have been working hard as a group. We are here to make ourselves and the country proud. Jamie Southgate (Captain, South Africa Women): The team is really looking forward to the fierce competition and excited to go up against the best teams in the world that an event like this makes possible. I wish all the teams the best and we will make sure our team will leave everything out on the court. Juan Ignacio Eleicegui (Cpatain, Argentina Men): For us it is always a dream to represent Argentina. And to do it with such a united team makes it even more special, it is a reward for all the effort of a great group. Our main goal with this team is to place Argentina on the World Cup podium for the first time in history. We know it will be very, very difficult, but we dream of raising our flag to the top. For more information about the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025, click here. Source: FIH.hockey

31 Jan, 2025 With the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 about to burst into action from 3-9 February, we present a quick study on indoor hockey, a dynamic, high-speed variation of traditional outdoor hockey that demands quick thinking, precise execution, and rapid decision-making. Played on a smaller, walled pitch with six players per team, indoor hockey offers a thrilling spectacle where speed and technical ability take center stage. While sharing many similarities with outdoor 11-a-side hockey, indoor hockey has unique rules and strategies that set it apart. Playing Surface and Field Size The indoor hockey pitch is rectangular in shape, with any indoor sports hall flooring appropriate to play on. The dimensions of the pitch are 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. There are boards placed on the side perimeters of the pitch (but not the backline) that keep the ball in play. The scoring circle has a 9 meter radius from the center of the goal-line and the penalty spot is marked 7 meters from the center of the goal-line. Goals The size of the goals in indoor hockey are smaller compared to outdoor hockey. The width of the goal is exactly 3 meters and it has a height of 2 meters. Goal-sideboards and goal-backboards are not necessary in indoor hockey. Team Size and Game Duration Indoor hockey teams consist of six players (five field players and a goalkeeper), compared to 11-a-side in outdoor hockey. The total size of a squad in indoor hockey is 12 players and rolling substitutions are permitted. Matches are also shorter, typically played in four quarters of 10 minutes each, leading to high-intensity action from start to finish. No Hitting, Only Pushes Perhaps the most fundamental rule difference is that players are not allowed to hit or sweep the ball in indoor hockey. Instead, only pushes are permitted, requiring players to develop strong wrist control and quick flicks to generate power. Lifting the ball is only permitted when a player attempts to score a goal from inside the scoring circle, by the use of a flicking motion. The flicking motion is defined as: raising the ball off the ground by placing the head of the stick under the ball and using a lifting movement. Christopher Rühr, a key player for Germany’s men’s team, highlights this unique challenge: “Indoors, you’re obviously not allowed to hit or sweep, which means that the little flick just from the wrists needs to be quick and powerful in order to score goals. Defending-wise, being really low with a big span is a quality needed, as the attacker can’t lift the ball over your stick to win a duel.” Fast-Paced Strategy and Close Control With a smaller playing area and no lifted passes, indoor hockey emphasizes quick, precise passing and intelligent movement. Players need excellent stick skills to maneuver in tight spaces, constantly looking for gaps in the opposition’s defense. Belgian Indoor Red Panthers star, Laurine Delforge, describes the tactical demands of indoor hockey: “Indoor hockey is a concentration of intensity, skill, and strategy. It’s all about speed of execution and precision. You have to be smart to use small spaces, be creative to surprise the opponent, and multiply quick passes to create chances.” Tactical Play and Defensive Awareness Unlike outdoor hockey, where long aerial passes and expansive play are common, indoor hockey requires players to be more compact and disciplined. Quick turnovers mean defenses must be alert at all times, with tight marking and low-body positioning critical for success. Growing popularity of Indoor Hockey Indoor hockey provides an exciting alternative to outdoor hockey in colder regions where playing conditions can be challenging in winter. The game’s high-energy nature and non-stop action make it a thrilling spectacle for fans, while the emphasis on technical skill helps players refine their abilities for both formats of the game. As more nations invest in indoor hockey, the sport continues to gain traction worldwide. With the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup showcasing the very best in the game, the format is proving to be a vital part of hockey’s evolution—fast, skillful, and always unpredictable! The complete rules of Indoor Hockey can be found here. For more information about the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025, click here. Source: FIH.hockey

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