Written by: Nolwazi Zondi
Tis’ the season to be merry and qualified! Christmas has come early not only for Bafana Bafana, but both the men and women South African hockey teams after both teams championed, for the 8th consecutive time, the African Hockey Cup of Nation in Egypt, Ismailia on the 18th of October 2025. A remarkable continental dominance was displayed on both sides as they each held their own in defending their throne as the Kings and Queens of Africa on the astro.
The women opened up the tournament with a thrashing 10-0 victory against the hosts, Egypt – making a clear statement that they are the reigning champs for a reason. Game 2 wasn’t as smooth sailing as the ladies in green had to battle it out against Ghana, and just edged the black stars with a 3-2 victory. Game 3 was a bit of a frustrating one as the green machines dominated the game against Kenya but just couldn’t get one past the keeper with a 0-0 score at the final whistle. After a dry match up, the SA ladies made sure to dominate in Game 4 against Nigeria – securing their spot in the final with a 5-0 victory.
Edith Molikoe #5 earned her 50th cap for SA hockey during the week. SA hockey recognised and honoured her on Instagram with a post captioned, ‘Your dedication, hard work, and passion for the game continues to inspire teammates and supporters alike. Here’s to many more moments in the green and gold.’
Edith’s teammate, Quanita Bobbs earned her 200 caps and SA hockey honoured her by stating, ‘A legacy etched in green & gold. Congratulations to #28 Quanita Bobbs on reaching this incredible milestone for your country…your journey has been one of perseverance, pride and passion for South African Hockey. Inspiring multiple generations and leading by example – a true legend of the game,’ on Instagram.
The men on the other hand had an anticlimactic start to their tournament as they won the first game by default, 5-0, against Zambia who failed to arrive. Nonetheless a win is a win! In their actual opener, game 2, the men in green outplayed Kenya, 3-1 – also making a clear statement of their reign. Game 3 against the hosts proved to be one for the books as both teams went head to head with neither backing down; both hungry for victory and to claim the territory, but no one conquered as the game ended in a 3-3 draw. A draw must be the South African antidote because in Game 4 the reigning champs came back even hungrier and annihilated Ghana, 11-3, securing their spot in the final. The SA men signed off the group stages in style with a convincing 8-3 win against Nigeria.
THE FINALS
In the women’s finals, the ladies in green went head to head once again with Ghana. Staying grounded, the ladies went on the astro cool, calm, clinical and dominant. Jean- Leigh du Toit opened up the scoring charts with a drag flick from a penalty corner. Kayla de Waal and Hannah Pearce each put in a piece past the black stars, who only managed to put one past the green and gold. Du toit sealed the deal with another goal by half time, settling the score at 4-1. In the second half no goals were scored and SA kept a solid wall at the back which led to their 8th consecutive continental dominance and their key to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup! The legendary Quanita Bobbs received player of the tournament.
In the men’s final, the classic clash between SA and Egypt was on again for the 7th consecutive time at the African Hockey Cup of Nations. Mustapha Cassiem, known as the man of the moments, opened up the scoring charts with, once again, a drag flick from a penalty corner and further added another two goals – sealing a momentous hat-trick for South Africa. The land of the Pharaohs only managed to put one past the reigning champs, who added another two goals from Jaydon Brooker and Calvin Davis to retain their crown, 5-1, and to qualify for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup!
NO DNA, JUST RSA!
