Cassiem brothers primed for Nkosi Cup hat-trick bid as SA ride World Cup momentum

The celebrated SA men’s indoor hockey team will chase a hat-trick of Nkosi Cup titles next month fresh off securing Africa’s first FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup medal earlier this year in Croatia, and superstar Mustapha Cassiem is looking forward to putting on more show-stopping performances in front of their home fans. 

Eight members of the World Cup medal-winning squad return, including Cassiem, the Player of the Tournament in Porec, who has already scored an astonishing 118 goals in just 47 Tests. 

It has been a stellar year for Mustapha and older brother Dayaan Cassiem, with their World Cup heroics followed by further milestone achievements for club and country in indoor and outdoor hockey, including titles with club Amsterdam and on the continent on the astroturf.

Yet for Mustapha, it’s a no-brainer deciding which title mattered the most.    

“It wasn’t first place but the bronze medal meant so much to me and to a lot of other people, as well as the South African hockey community,” the 23-year-old told Independent Media Sport exclusively from Cape Town.

The tournament at Wynberg Military Base from December 11-16 features a world-class line-up including New Zealand, Australia, Namibia, the US and hosts South Africa.

Jethro Eustice has the chance to surpass the retired Justin Domleo as the men’s team’s most capped indoor player if he features in every match at the event, while there is a welcome return for the experienced Ryan Julius, who missed the 2025 World Cup, and promising youngster Travis Krumples earns a well-deserved debut after impressive showings at recent indoor IPTs.

“There are two or three new guys coming into the system and for us it’s important to show those guys that the hard work doesn’t end after a bronze medal. Building into the next World Cup in 2029, we’ve got this confidence, this work ethic and we are aiming higher at the next World Cup.  Every tournament leading up to that success is super important,” Mustapha said.

The versatile Cassiem brothers will also be key players in the potentially thrilling three-match outdoor Test series against India in the Western Cape that wraps up days before the indoor showpiece.

“This series is a fantastic opportunity for our squad to test ourselves against one of the world’s most explosive and technically gifted teams. We’ve selected a balanced group of experienced internationals and exciting young talent, and playing in front of our home supporters will give the team massive energy. These matches are an important part of our long-term preparation, and we’re confident the group will rise to the challenge,” said Reggie Smith, SAHA head of high performance.

The series marks another important step in South Africa’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup cycle, and offers local fans the rare opportunity to watch some of the country’s biggest stars in action on home soil.