SA HOCKEY MAKES HISTORY

Written by: Nolwazi Zondi

The South African Men’s Hockey Indoor team made history in the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 by winning their first ever medal in Porec, Croatia. The Blitz Stoks, as they call themselves, edged Belgium 6-5 and secured a bronze medal.The world’s no.8 fought a tremendous fight to get their medal – having defeated 3-time silver medalist, Poland to qualify for the quarter finals; defeated world no.2, Iran to book a spot in the semi-final and lastly defeating Belgium, who have had much experience in the semi-finals of world indoor hockey.

Mustapha Cassiem scored a heroic-hat trick in the bronze-medal game and was crowned the player of the tournament – having scored a total of 17 goals throughout the tournament.

Overwhelmed with joy Cassiem stated, “I think the emotions say it all, we came here with a goal and that was the medal, after many lows, the team pushed through. South Africa this one’s for you. To my family, to my support, I love you all,” in tears and grabbing the South African badge on his chest with honour. This momentous achievement follows Cassiem’s Junior Player of the Tournament award which he achieved at the 2023 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Pretoria, South Africa.

The men in green and gold have taken what is considered an amateur sport in South Africa to new heights. The journey to get this far has been long and trying. “Not many will fully understand the journey we have been through over the last 3 to 4 years to get to this point…This achievement is not just a win, it’s testament to the hard work, dedication and belief that has carried us to this milestone,” are some of the comments shared by the team on socials.

The Blitz Stoks have turned their motto of “One Team, One Dream,” into a reality and brightened the future of South African hockey.