As we count down to the highly anticipated FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, we take a closer look at the competing men's and women's teams ready to battle for global supremacy. In this special preview series, we profile each nation's journey to the tournament, examining their road to qualification, historic achievements, key players to watch, and the tactical minds leading them into the ultimate hockey showcase. In today’s story we take a look at the South African men’s team, ranked #13 in the world.
**********
South Africa have been the dominant force in African hockey for more than three decades, winning nine continental titles and regularly securing qualification for the Olympic Games and FIH Hockey World Cup. Their leading players now compete in many of the world's strongest domestic leagues, representing clubs in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and beyond.
The team booked their place at an eighth FIH Hockey World Cup by successfully defending their Africa Cup of Nations crown in Ismailia, Egypt. The African champions were outstanding throughout the tournament, winning all five matches before defeating the hosts 5-1 in the final. Mustaphaa Cassiem's hat-trick helped seal a record-extending ninth continental title and confirmed South Africa's place at Belgium & Netherlands 2026.
South Africa arrive at the World Cup with confidence after an encouraging 2026 FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup campaign on home soil in Cape Town. The team reached the final after eliminating New Zealand in a dramatic shoot-out, with Goalkeeper of the Tournament Cullin de Jager producing a superb display. Although France denied them the title in the final, the tournament offered further proof that this exciting side can compete with some of the world's strongest teams.
Captain Dayaan Cassiem remains the heartbeat of the team, combining inspirational leadership with creativity and an eye for spectacular goals. Younger brother Mustaphaa has rapidly developed into one of the game's most exciting attacking talents, while Sam Mvimbi brings composure and intelligence to midfield. Double Olympian Keenan Horne also remains a key figure, having earned more than 130 international caps.
How they qualified: 1st place – 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ismailia (EGY)
Notable honours: 9x Africa Cup of Nations gold medallists (1993, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2022, 2025), 2x All-Africa Games gold medallists (1995, 1999), 5x African Olympic Qualifier champions (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), 2x 10th place – Hockey World Cup (1994, 2010), 2x 10th place – Olympic Games (1996, 2004), FIH Champions Challenge silver medallists (2001), FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup gold medallists(2022).
Rank in previous WC editions: 1994 – 10th, 2002 – 13th, 2006 – 12th, 2010 – 10th, 2014 – 11th, 2018 – 16th, 2023 – 11th
Head coach: Devon van der Merwe. As interim head coach, Van der Merwe guided South Africa to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup. Those achievements earned him the role on a permanent basis, a decision further vindicated when he led the team to a silver medal at the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup on home soil in Cape Town.
One to watch: Mustapha Cassiem. Renowned for his explosive pace, physical strength and outstanding stick skills, Cassiem has established himself as one of the world's most dangerous attackers. Named Young Player of the Tournament at the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar & Rourkela 2023, he now plays his club hockey alongside his older brother Dayaan at Amsterdam H&BC in the Netherlands.
FIH team / stats page: click here.
Website: www.sahockey.co.za
X: @SA_Hockey Facebook: SAHockeyMen
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 begins on 15 August, with both men’s and women’s teams in action on opening day across the Netherlands and Belgium. For more information on the competition including the competition format, pools and the complete match schedule, click here.
