South Africa will have the perfect opportunity to make an early statement when they take on France in the opening match of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup at the Hartleyvale astro in Cape Town on Thursday evening (7pm).
On home soil for the first time since hosting the inaugural tournament in 2022, the South Africans will be eager to use familiar surroundings and passionate local support to their advantage against a strong French outfit, ranked three places above them in the world standings.
SA captain Dayaan Cassiem said there was a palpable sense of excitement within the squad as they prepared to launch their campaign.
“We are really happy to host it here in South Africa and we will be hoping to make home-ground advantage count in our favour,” he said.
“The preparations have been going very well, and we are looking forward to challenging France in our opening match.”
South Africa, ranked 13th in the world, created history by winning the inaugural Nations Cup title in Potchefstroom four years ago. Since then, New Zealand have dominated the competition, claimed back-to-back crowns and arriving in Cape Town seeking a hat-trick of titles.
The Nations Cup has quickly become one of the most important tournaments outside the FIH Hockey Pro League. Established in 2021, it provides the highest-ranked nations not competing in the Pro League with a pathway to hockey’s elite competition, with this year’s champions earning promotion to the 2026-27 Hockey Pro League.
The 2026 edition boasts an impressive field. Hosts South Africa are joined by France, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland and the United States, who make their debut in the competition following the withdrawal of Wales.
Ireland enter the tournament as the highest-ranked side at ninth in the world after competing in the most recent Pro League season. Their captain, Lee Cole, believes his team are ready for the challenge.
“We have been preparing in Ireland and have a practice match against Malaysia, and the boys are feeling good,” he said.
“We know it will be a tough challenge throughout, but we are looking forward to it.”
Defending champions New Zealand are equally optimistic about their prospects. Captain Sam Lane said his side had enjoyed learning more about their hosts ahead of the event.
“Cape Town’s an amazing city and we have South African coaches in our team, so it’s been awesome to learn a bit of the history and listen to their stories of life here,” he said.
“We have just had a visit from China in preparation in New Zealand and we seem to be shaping up well. We have some good opposition, so I expect us to be challenged, but I hope we can have some really good success.”
The opening day promises plenty of entertainment for local fans. Malaysia face Scotland, Korea take on Japan, Ireland meet the United States, before South Africa close the day’s action against France in front of what is expected to be a vocal Cape Town crowd.
Over 10 days of competition, the teams will battle through pool matches and knockout rounds before the final on June 20, where one nation will lift the trophy and move a step closer to establishing itself among the world’s elite.
For South Africa, the objective is clear. Playing at home, buoyed by memories of their historic triumph in 2022 and backed by passionate supporters, Cassiem and his teammates have the chance to set the tone from the outset and announce themselves as genuine contenders once again.
SA Hockey CEO Phikolomzi Mbuqe and Cape Town MMC for community services and health Francine Higham welcomed the teams at a media function at the V&A Waterfront on Tuesday.
“Hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup in Cape Town is a significant moment for South African hockey,” Mbuqe said.
“It gives our national team the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the world on home soil, while also showcasing the passion and strength of hockey in our country.
“Events like this inspire the next generation of players and demonstrate South Africa’s capability to host world-class international sport.”
Higham said they were delighted at this opportunity to see some of the world’s best players in action.
“We welcome you to our city and are thrilled to have a chance to show you what Cape Town has to offer,” she said.
“We wish you all the best for what we know will be a tournament of high quality at our iconic Hartleyvale Stadium.”
Thursday’s fixtures are:
12.15: Malaysia v Scotland; 14.30: Korea v Japan; 16.45: Ireland v USA; 19.00: France v South Africa
