By: SportsBoom.co.za
WITH the conclusion of the 2025 Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup, where South Africa shocked the world by becoming the first ever African nation to win a medal in the competition’s history, captain Mustapha Cassiem, insists that the South African sports ministry need to invest in the sport and help build for a brighter future.
“It was pure emotion. South African hockey players, both women and men, have sacrificed so much. This was for the people at home, for those who didn’t believe in us, and for those who supported us.
The sport in South Africa is growing, but it’s not where it should be in terms of support and recognition. I hope this achievement has sparked something and made people more aware of the sport. We want change; we want hockey to grow and get the recognition it deserves.”
“It’s something I wrote in my notebook: ‘I want to be the best player in the tournament.’ I sacrificed a lot to be the best I could be, both mentally and physically, at the tournament. Credit must go to my team, the coaching staff, and those close to me.”
“I have to give credit to Robert Goslett, one of our coaching staff members. He worked tirelessly to get us sponsors, and thanks to that support, we were able to compete at the Indoor Hockey World Cup.
The team faced many challenges leading up to the tournament. Just a week before departing, we weren’t sure if we would have to pay our own way. That caused a lot of stress for the players and coaching staff. Fortunately, we managed to secure enough funding, and the players didn’t have to pay a cent. Thanks to sponsors such as Spar, we made it happen.”
“We want the government and people to invest in hockey. We’ve sacrificed a lot to grow the sport, and we need funding to compete at the highest level, maybe even one day win an Olympic medal.
Mr. McKenzie, I urge you to invest in hockey. We will give everything on and off the field to ensure South African hockey is represented at the highest level. All we need is your backing and support, and we promise to give our all for our country.”
At the start of his tenure, Sports Minister McKenzie vowed to support smaller sporting federations. However, Hockey SA has yet to receive the necessary backing, says Cassiem.
Image (Hockey SA’s calling for the support from Sport Minister).
