The 2024 Nkosi Cup, held in Wynberg, Cape Town, saw the South African Men’s and Women’s Indoor Hockey teams reach the finals. Both teams faced Namibia in closely contested matches, continuing a strong regional rivalry.
The South African Men’s team entered the tournament as defending champions, while the Namibian Women’s team held the same title in their division. The results of the finals remained consistent with the previous year, with the South African men and Namibian women successfully defending their 2023 titles. The tournament also welcomed teams from New Zealand and Ireland, offering South Africa valuable international competition as part of their preparations for the upcoming Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia from February 3–9, 2025. Both South Africa and Namibia will compete in this global event.
World Cup Fixtures
The South African Men’s team is placed in Pool A, alongside Austria, Poland, and hosts Croatia. The Women’s team will compete in Pool B, featuring Austria, Poland, and Thailand.
Men’s Fixtures:
- Monday, 3 February: South Africa vs Croatia
- Tuesday, 4 February: South Africa vs Austria
- Thursday, 6 February: South Africa vs Poland
Women’s Fixtures:
- Monday, 3 February: South Africa vs Thailand
- Tuesday, 4 February: South Africa vs Austria
- Thursday, 6 February: South Africa vs Poland
Playoffs will take place on February 7 and 8, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Nkosi Cup Finals Results
In the men’s final, South Africa secured a 3-2 win over Namibia. After trailing 1-0 in the second quarter, South Africa responded strongly with two goals in the third quarter and the winning goal in the fourth. All three goals were scored by Cassiem Mustaphaa.
The women’s final saw Namibia defeat South Africa 3-1. Namibia took an early lead in the first quarter. The match remained scoreless through the second and third quarters before opening up in the fourth. South Africa managed a goal through Malikah Hamza, but Namibia added two more to secure the victory.
ⒻⒾⓃⒶⓁ ⓇⒺⓈⓊⓁⓉ
— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) December 17, 2024
The South African Indoor Hockey Men defend their title at the Nkosi Cup defeating Namibia 3-2 in the final. Mustapha Cassiem netting a hat-trick to confirm the victory#MoreThanHockey pic.twitter.com/l2XbDtPK6g
ⒻⒾⓃⒶⓁ ⓇⒺⓈⓊⓁⓉ
— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) December 17, 2024
Its a silver medal for the South African women as Namibia defend their Nkosi Cup title with a 3-1 victory in the final. Next stop Croatia for the FIH Indoor World Cup. #MoreThanHockey pic.twitter.com/UNjCZXcEqh
Moving Forward
The Nkosi Cup provided South Africa with important experience against strong opponents, forming a key part of their preparation for the Indoor Hockey World Cup. Both teams will now turn their focus to performing at their best on the international stage in February 2025.
For More South African Sport News: Sport South Africa Home Page
