The world’s best indoor hockey teams gathered for the Indoor Hockey World Cup that took place in Croatia from 3-9 February 2025. This fast-paced and high-energy version of the game truly showcases the best talent from around the world. South Africa’s women and men played with national pride that is in line with “No DNA just RSA.” Our women’s team came ninth, but it was especially our men’s team that grabbed the attention of the world as they came third. Bagging the bronze medal also meant that South Africa got their first medal ever in an Indoor Hockey World Cup–historic.
South Africa’s women’s team managed to draw against Thailand and got wins against Croatia – the host nation – and Australia. Although they only lost two of their games the team would be a bit disappointed after finishing fourth two years ago at the same tournament when South Africa were hosts. Kayla de Waal, Maties alumni and current South African outdoor and indoor hockey player, highlighted the disappointment, “It was obviously really disappointing not making it out of the pool stages. The pools were smaller this year. This meant that we had to be good from the start, which we unfortunately weren’t. This made us feel like we were out of the tournament from some of the first games. We did have to play in the 9th-12th bracket, at least we won both our games to come ninth.”
De Waal is ever thankful for what Maties taught her, especially since hockey here is such a high-performance environment. There is constant emphasis on training, conditioning, playing matches and going to the gym. Ultimately, it also taught her that you must work hard.
“In a World Cup one learns that every moment counts. You do not get second chances–that is what makes the top teams in the world so good. There is no room for error at a World Cup. European countries only play indoor hockey, and that is why they do the basics so well”, De Waal explains what makes it so difficult heading into the World Cup against the best teams in the world.
The men’s team finished in sixth position two years ago and star player, Mustapha Cassiem, promised that at the next World Cup, they would get a medal. In line with the whole, “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie”, the team delivered by creating this historic moment. Having lost to the ultimate winners, Germany, South Africa won all their other matches.
Cassiem showed every emotion as he explained in the video that went viral, that: “This is for you, South Africa”. Cassiem leads his team with dignity and passion but even more, he leads by example as captain. He ended the tournament as the Best Player of the World Cup, and he scored seventeen goals. The men’s side certainly inspired a nation and even our women’s side is more fired up than ever, De Waal says: “My favourite part of the whole tournament is the men winning the bronze medal. As a South African that is everything. The men showed that you cannot just talk, you need to make it happen. The only way for change is action. Therefore, keep dreaming and keep striving!” De Waal concludes, echoing our national anthem.
Ané Havenga
