SA men’s hockey team secures first ever bronze medal. Image: IOL.
(The Post News)– South Africa’s men’s hockey team delivered a historic performance at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Indoor World Cup in Croatia, securing their first-ever bronze medal at the tournament.
Led by the sensational Mustapha Cassiem, the team edged out Belgium 6-5 in a thrilling third-place match on Sunday. Cassiem, who was unstoppable throughout the tournament, netted a hat trick in the final game, taking his total tally to 17 goals and earning him the Player of the Tournament award.
South Africa opened their campaign with an 8-6 victory over hosts Croatia, setting the tone for an impressive run. They narrowly lost to Austria (8-6) but bounced back with a 5-2 win against Poland, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
In the knockout stages, they stunned two-time bronze medallists Iran with a 6-0 victory, setting up a semi-final clash against powerhouse Germany. Despite a strong start, South Africa fell 6-1 to the eventual champions. However, they regrouped and delivered a gutsy performance in the bronze medal match against Belgium.
After trailing 2-0 early in the second quarter, South Africa fought back with three quick goals from the Cassiem brothers. Hans Neethling then converted a penalty stroke, extending their lead to 4-2. Belgium kept pushing, but Mustapha and Dayaan Cassiem added two more goals to give South Africa a comfortable cushion. Belgium managed two late goals, but South Africa held on for the win.
Mustapha Cassiem’s standout performance was one for the books. Having been named Young Player of the Tournament in 2023, he took it a step further this year, bringing his international tally to an astounding 118 goals in 47 games. His dominance in the indoor format continues to put South African hockey on the global map.
Germany claimed their fourth world indoor title, defeating Austria in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 6-6 draw in regular time. Meanwhile, Poland’s women clinched their first title with a 1-0 victory over Austria in the final.
For South Africa, this bronze medal is more than just a podium finish—it’s a statement. They’ve proven they can compete with the best, and with rising stars like Mustapha Cassiem leading the charge, the future looks bright for indoor hockey in the country. South African sport keeps shining on the global stage—this time, with sticks, speed, and a whole lot of heart.
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