South Africa’s Mustapha Cassiem was named best junior player of the tournament

While the Austrian men and Netherlands women won their respective competitions, the South African women and men finished fourth and sixth respectively

March 14, 2023

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South African women’s captain Jessica O’Connor and Celia Seerane celebrate at the Indoor Hockey World Cup. Photo: Anton Geyser, South African Sports Images

With the conclusion of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, 24 teams representing 14 countries came and showed their skill and passion for the game to many passionate hockey fans in Pretoria’s Heartfelt Arena.

The Austrian men entered the tournament as favourites on the back of their European Championship title and had cantered their way to the final. They were met with an immovable object in the Dutch, and after an incredible final, the final result came from a penalty shootout that saw the Austrians named champions of indoor hockey and defend their crown.

Tegan Fourie, Fourways High School alumna Robyn Johnson and Edith Molikoe are joyous in their Indoor Hockey World Cup match. Photo: Anton Geyser, South African Sports Images

The women from the Netherlands were also favourites upon their arrival in the country, especially in the absence of Germany. They had cruised to the final after winning eight games out of eight. Donja Zwinkles inspired her country with winning performances that ranged from sublime to extraordinary as the Netherlands collected their third FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup.
Looking locally, the SPAR South African women captivated the nation in their march to the semi-finals. While they were unable to clinch bronze, the team led by Jessica O’Connor most certainly won the hearts of the South African sporting family as their performance was unprecedented by the African nation.

South Africa’s men, powered by Tops at SPAR were arguably the most exciting team in the entire tournament. The Blitzstoks had played with purpose and confidence led by Jethro Eustice and Justin Domleo, while the Cassiem brothers alongside Ryan Julius gave the team flair that was second to none.
The sixth edition of the Indoor Hockey World Cup came, saw and was conquered. An incredible event that may well truly inspire future generations and leave a legacy to live in the memory of African hockey.

Mustapha Cassiem of the South African men goes for a powerful push of the ball. Photo: Anton Geyser, South African Sports Images

In the wild, it is the strongest that survives and are therefore the king of the bush. This edition of the Indoor Hockey World Cup was no different as the Austrian men and Netherlands women were named the undisputed kings and queens of the court and of the world.

The tournament award winners were: